There are three kinds of spina bifida

Occulta
There is no opening on the back, but the outer part of some of the vertebrae are not completely closed. The spinal cord and covering (meninges) are undamaged and there is usually no nerve damage. There may be hair or a dimple at the site. Many people with this condition don't even know they have it; however, problems can occasionally arise and medical advice is needed.

 

 

Meningocele
The outer part of some of the vertebrae do not completely close during development. The meninges are damaged and extend out through the opening, appearing as a sac on the back. Cerebrospinal fluid is in the sac. There is usually no nerve damage, but, once again, problems can arise. This is the least common form of spina bifida.

 

 

Myelomeningocele
This is the most serious form of spina bifida. The outer parts of some of the vertebrae do not completely close during development. The spinal cord and meninges do not develop normally and extend out through the opening appearing as a sac on the back. This almost always causes some degree of paralysis.