spina bifida occulta
congenital disorder
Also known as: hidden spina bifida
Quick Summary
Spina bifida occulta is a congenital disorder, a type of neural tube defect, where the vertebrae of the spine do not fully close around the spinal cord. Unlike more severe forms of spina bifida, the spinal cord itself is typically normal and covered by skin. This "hidden" form of spina bifida often has no effect on bodily functions and may go undetected throughout a person's life. It is a failure of the vertebral column to completely enclose the spinal cord.12
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