A procedure that uses a needle to remove a small amount of fluid, which surrounds the unborn baby in the uterus and tests it for information about the baby.

Lack of development of the brain. There is no treatment for this condition which is incompatible with life.

The brain is pressed into the opening at the base of the skull where the spinal cord exits. This deformity, present in most children with spina bifida, does not, by itself, affect intelligence. However, feeding problems, breathing problems, and weakness in the arms may result in some children. Any such symptoms should be brought to the attention of your neurosurgeon.

The organ in the body that receives urine from the kidneys by way of the ureters, where urine is stored until it is expelled from the body.

A blockage of the tube that drains extra spinal fluid from the ventricles of the brain. This blockage prevents the shunt from working properly.

Process of inserting a thin, straw-like device (catheter) into the bladder to drain urine. Most individuals with spina bifida will be on a program where they catherize every two to four hours during the day.

A sectional x-ray used to picture the brain and other organs and structures, such as the kidneys and hips. Enlargement of the brain's ventricles, as shown by this test, may indicate a problem with a shunt, or the need for placement of a shunt.

The brain and the spinal cord.

A deformity of the foot where it is twisted out of shape or position. Frequently present in newborns with spina bifida, it may also develop later in life.

A test to determine the type and number of blood cells present in the blood stream. An elevation of white cells may indicate the presence of infection in the body.

A fixed or abnormal position of a joint, or limited movement of a joint caused by actual shortening of a muscle, often from lack of use.

A study that measures the activity of the bladder muscle, pressure in the bladder and response of the sphincter during the filling of the bladder.

A open skin sore caused from pressure.

A test of the electrical activity of the brain. Used to evaluate an individual for seizures (epilepsy).

Used to determine which muscles of the body are working and how well they function. Needle electrodes are inserted into individual muscles and their activity is recorded.

A common B vitamin. A daily dose of 0.4mg taken for three to four months prior to the start of a pregnancy and continued daily during the first three months of pregnancy will decrease the chances of having a baby with a neural tube defect.

A bone break or crack.

Hump-like deformity of the spine which occurs in some individuals with a thoracic level of spina bifida.

Often called "water on the brain" , it is caused by an accumulation of cerebro-spinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.

Inability to control urine and stool.

The periodic insertion of a catheter into the bladder to totally drain the urine.

An x-ray that is taken of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to determine how well they function. A dye is injected into the blood stream and its progress through the urinary system is followed to look for any problems.

Specialized language used in professional fields.

A pair of organs which filter out waste products from the blood.

Uses electromagnetic fields to picture structures inside the body, such as the brain and spinal cord.

An ex-ray of the spinal cord that requires infusion of a dye around the spinal cord through a lumbar puncture. The dye allows the spinal cord to be pictured on the x-ray.

A sac found on the baby's back at birth, which contains the spinal cord, its covering (meninges), and spinal fluid. The most severe form of spina bifida.

A group of birth defects in which the brain or a part of the spinal cord is not fully developed.

Surgeon specializing in the treatment of disorders of the brain and spinal cord.

Surgeon specializing in the treatment of disorders of the bones and muscles.

Orthotists assist in the provision of casts, braces and artificial limbs to persons with some physical disabilities. They work closely with physical therapists and physicians.

A frame-like device used to support children with high levels of spina bifida in a standing position. The device is jointed at the hips and knees to allow the child to be placed in a sitting position without removing them from the device.

Exercises of the body's joints done to prevent deformities, such as contractures.

Occurs when urine backs up in the urinary system and threatens the health of the kidneys.

A study using injection of a substance that is filtered through the kidneys and which will show kidney size, function and any kidney damage.

A test which uses sound waves to examine the kidneys and bladder. Kidney size and shape as well as abnormalities of the drainage system are seen well with this test.

Curvature of the spine.

Device implanted in the fluid cavities of the brain which allows for control of fluid buildup.

Literally "spine in two parts," it means that the baby's spinal column failed to close properly before birth.

The chain of small bones (vertebrae) that extend from the head to the tailbone, the backbone.

That part of the central nervous system enclosed by the spinal column.

Fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord, it protects these organs from shock by acting as a cushion.

The spinal cord, which normally floats free, may become caught by scar tissue or a small cyst. All children with a repaired myelomeningocele are at risk, but only a few develop symptoms. Symptoms usually appear during times of rapid growth and include worsening gait, rapidly worsening scoliosis, increasing incontinence, and pain. If you notice any of these problems, talk to your neurosurgeon about them.

Uses sound waves to picture structures inside the body, such as the kidneys. Ultrasound was used to picture your baby before birth.

Test on the urine to analyze its composition.

The kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Test to see if bacteria is growing in the urine and what antibiotics would treat the infection. It takes 1-3 days to get the results.

Test done by a urogolist or trained technician which determines how much the bladder will hold, and detects abnormal bladder contractions, increased bladder pressure and assesses sphincter activity.

Surgeon specializing in the treatment of disorders of the kidneys and bladder.

This x-ray shows the form and function of the bladder, sphincters, and urethra.

Fluid cavities of the brain. Enlargement of the ventricles with fluid is called hydrocephalus.

One of the small bones that makes up the spinal column.

An operation which allows the bladder to drain directly through an opening in the abdomen. This is done when pressure in the bladder is threatening to damage the kidneys. This is a temporary treatment that can be closed when the child begins intermittent catherization.