Spina Bifida with Meningomyelocele
- * Spina bifida with meningomyelocele is the most common form. The membranous sac contains meninges and displaced neural structures. It typically results in paralysis below the level of the lesion, thus although the spinal cord folds appropriately, the displacement, typically causes functional deficits.
- Meningomyelocele commonly occurs with Chiari Type II (Arnold-Chiari malformation), which occurs when downward displacement of the spinal cord pulls the inferior cerebellum through the foramen magnum and into the upper cervical canal.
- Spina bifida manifesta (or aperta) refers to a vertebral defect with a meningeal or spinal cord abnormality (as opposed to spina bifida occulta, which does NOT involve open abnormality).
- Spina bifida cystica refers to the cyst-like sac that protrudes through the vertebral arch defect.