Spina bifida

Spina bifida describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine, resulting in malformations of the spinal cord. The spinal membranes and spinal cord may protrude through the absence of vertebral arches (called a cleft). These malformations fall into three categories: spina bifida occulta, spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele) and meningocele.

Rate of occurrence

In Canada, spina bifida occurs in about one in every 1,000 births.

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In Western Australia, up until 1996 around 2 children in every 1000 were born with a neural tube defect. Since 1996, as a result of the folic acid campaign, the figure has dropped to 1.3 children per 1000 births.

Related Topics:
Australia - 1996 - Folic acid

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In the United States, spina bifida occurs in about one in every 1-2,000 births. More children in the U.S. have spina bifida than have muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined.

Related Topics:
United States - Muscular dystrophy - Multiple sclerosis - Cystic fibrosis

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