The types of spina bifida include: 

Spina bifida occulta: This is a mild form of spina bifida. The spinal cord and the surrounding structures remain inside the baby, but the lower back bones don’t form normally. There may be a hairy patch, dimple or birthmark over the affected area. Other times, there may be no visible abnormalities.

Meningocele: This is a moderate form of spina bifida. In these cases, a fluid-filled sac is visible outside of the baby’s back. The sac does not contain the spinal cord or nerves.

Myelomeningocele: This is a severe form of spina bifida. The spinal cord and nerves develop outside of the baby’s body and are contained in a fluid-filled sac that is visible outside of the back. These children typically have weakness and loss of sensation below the defect. Problems with bowel and bladder function are also common. A majority of babies with myelomeningocele will also have hydrocephalus. This condition causes the fluid inside of the head to build up, increasing pressure and expanding the skull to a larger than normal size.

Specific treatment for spina bifida will be based on a number of factors, including: 

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference 

Treatment starts at birth, if not earlier. Treatment will be determined by the medical team’s assessment of your child’s condition and your input as the parent. Surgery can help manage the problems associated with spina bifida, but it cannot restore muscle function or sensation to a normal state. 

Open fetal myelomeningocele repair is a complex and highly orchestrated procedure. This treats the most severe form of spina bifida, myelomeningocele, before the baby is born. 

• Surgical interventions may be needed for:
  • Repair and closure of the neural tube defect
  • Treatment of hydrocephalus
  • Orthopedic problems (such as curvatures in the back, hip dislocations, ankle and foot deformities, and contracted muscles)
  • Bowel and bladder problems (surgery may be required to reduce peeing and pooping accidents, for incontinence or constipation, or when the bladder does not empty completely) 

Not all babies require surgical repair of spina bifida. Nonsurgical management of spina bifida may include: 

• Rehabilitation, such as physical, occupational or speech therapy
• Positioning aids (used to help the child sit, lie or stand)
• Braces and splints (used to help bones to grow straight, promote muscle support or help with walking)
• Medications
• Catheterization (used to help with urine elimination and helping your baby to poop by abdominal massage)
• Therapeutic electrical stimulation and biofeedback to help with bladder/bowel issues 

Clinical Care Partner with the National Spina Bifida Association (SBA): The Spina Bifida Program at Children's Wisconsin is designated as a clinical care partner in collaboration with the National Spina Bifida Association (SBA). This designation from SBA supports the excellent care that children with spina bifida receive at Children's Wisconsin. To be designated as a partner, the program must achieve 10 standards of care which use best practices to promote the best outcomes for people with Spina Bifida. The standards address such issues as: 

• Ensuring the use of the guidelines for care of children with spina bifida
• Coordination of care through a multidisciplinary team
• A partnership with a prenatal evaluation center
• A transition program to continue to support the health of adults with spina bifida
• Children's Wisconsin joins only 30 clinics worldwide who have this designation. With this, we are able to collaborate and share ideas with a national network of providers that have also been recognized as SBA clinic care partners. 

High national rankings: The Neurosciences Center at Children's Wisconsin ranks among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Our neuroimaging program has been designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, making it the third pediatric hospital in the United States to earn the award. 

Cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options: We offer the most advanced diagnosis and treatment options for various neurological and neurosurgical conditions. Each child's treatment plan is highly customized to ensure your child always receives the very best care. 

Outstanding surgical quality: We're the only Level 1 Children's Surgery Center (highest level possible) in the state. We have superior neurosurgical outcomes, and we offer both minimally invasive and traditional surgical options for various conditions. Our board-certified pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with patient families to determine the best option for each child.