Urology
Pediatric Urological Conditions
Spina Bifida
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Description
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings) caused by the failure of the fetus's spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy.
Control of urination requires nerves the lower part of the spine and when these nerves have been damaged due to spins bifida it can cause abnormalities of the urinary tract including urinary retention, which is the inability to completely empty the bladder.