Definition

Noun: A congenital condition, present from birth, characterized by incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord. It is a type of neural tube defect.

Usage

The term is used as a medical noun to name the specific birth defect. * The ultrasound scan can help detect conditions like spina bifida. * Folic acid intake before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of spina bifida.

Advanced Usage

• Spina bifida occulta: A mild, often hidden form where there is a small gap in the spine but no opening or sac on the back. It may have few or no symptoms.
• Spina bifida cystica (or aperta): A more severe form involving a sac or cyst on the back, which contains parts of the spinal cord and its membranes. This includes meningocele and myelomeningocele.

Variants and Related Words

• Myelomeningocele (n): The most severe and common form of spina bifida cystica, where the spinal cord and its protective covering protrude through an opening in the spine.
• Meningocele (n): A form of spina bifida cystica where the protective membranes around the spinal cord (meninges) push out through the opening in the vertebrae.
• Neural tube defect (n): The broader category of birth defects affecting the brain, spine, or spinal cord, which includes spina bifida and anencephaly.

Synonyms

• Rachischisis (n): A medical term for a severe type of spinal fissure or cleft.

Related Phrases and Terms

• To be born with spina bifida: The standard phrase describing the condition's presence at birth.
  • Their daughter was born with spina bifida.
• Complications of spina bifida: Refers to the potential associated health issues, which can include mobility problems, hydrocephalus, and bowel/bladder difficulties.

Noun

1. a not uncommon congenital defect in which a vertebra is malformed; unless several vertebrae are affected or there is myelomeningocele there are few symptoms; can be diagnosed by amniocentesis