Glossary of terms

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.

See also Fetal spina bifida; Institute for Fetal Health; Motion Analysis Center; Neurosurgery; Orthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicine; Our spina bifida program; Overview of Spina bifida; Spina bifida; Spina bifida information for teens and young adults; Aaron receives expert spina bifida care; Bridget's remarkable triumph; Cheers for Addison...and her mom; Finding inspiration in the eyes of children; Spina bifida patients to get their own places

tethered spinal cord syndrome

a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. In children, symptoms may include lesions, hairy patches, dimples, or fatty tumors on the lower back; foot and spinal deformities; weakness in the legs; low back pain; scoliosis; and incontinence.

See also About tethered spinal cord