Snapshot An infant is born in an refugee camp to a starving mother. He has a severe anatomic defect along the spinal tract. Introduction Birth defect in which the spinal canal, meninges, and backbone do not close before birth login to view 3 more bullets Most severe form of dysraphism involving the vertebral column Causes the spinal cord and meninges to protrude from the opening in the infants back Most common type of spina bifida Thought to be caused by low folic acid levels in the mother's diet Epidemiology Incidence of 1/800 in the United States Presentation Symptoms login to view 4 more bullets Physical exam login to view 4 more bullets IMAGING Pregnancy ultrasound login to view 1 more bullet STUDIES Prenatal screening login to view 1 more bullet Amniocentesis Differential Other spina bifida and neural tube defects DIAGNOSIS Diagnosis based primarily on clinical observation Treatment Prevention login to view 1 more bullet Medical management login to view 4 more bullets Surgical intervention login to view 6 more bullets Complications Scoliosis, foot or ankle deformities, dislocated hips, joint tightness or contractures, permanent present and further future spinal cord paralysis (with rapid pubescent growth period), frequent urinary tract infections, meningitis Prognosis Can usually be surgically corrected Length of life is usually not affected with proper treatment Paralysis is most often irreversible