spina bifida (also called meningomyelocele or neural tube defect)

Present at birth, the condition affects the development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves, and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. This neurological condition can cause a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body. The sac-like lesion can occur anywhere along the spine. Fetal spina bifida is diagnosed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) so that special preparations can be made for optimal care at delivery.