Spina Bifida Occulta: The mildest form, where one or more vertebrae are malformed. The spinal nerves are usually not affected, and it often goes undetected. Meningocele: A sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby's back, but the spinal cord is not in this sac. There is little or no nerve damage. Myelomeningocele: The most severe form, where parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through an open part of the spine. This can cause moderate to severe disabilities, such as difficulty in walking and problems with bladder and bowel control.
