There are 3 main types of SB...Occulta, Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele. Occulta is the most mild form and people can go their entire lives not knowing they even have it...often times they don't become symptomatic until adulthood. Meningocele is the most rare. There is an opening, but the nerves are not involved. Myelomeningocele (pronounced like Milo My Ninja Seal!) is the most common...and the most severe form. This is what Cole has. As you can see from the picture, his nerves were protruding through the opening in his spine. This is why mobility is affected. His nerves were exposed to the amniotic fluid. Cole had his lesion closed while in-utero at 25 weeks and 6 days. If he had not had that done, his lesion would have been closed within hours or a day after birth. Both surgeries are a repair...not a cure. The damage that occurred to the nerves is done and cannot be repaired. Let me know if you gave any questions about Spina Bifida! If I don't know the answer I have friends that most likely do.
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