Symptoms of spina bifida vary based upon the severity of the birth defect. In spina bifida occulta, there may be no symptoms or only a dimple, birthmark, or hairy patch over the affected vertebrae. With spina bifida manifesta, symptoms can include a fluid filled sac over the affected area of the spine. The sac is often covered by a thin layer of skin and can range in size from the dimensions of a grape to those of a grapefruit. Children born with myelomeningocele also have a sac-like mass that bulges from the back, but a layer of skin may not always cover it. In some cases, the nerves of the spinal cord may be exposed. If the baby's nerves are damaged, the child can have problems with walking, bladder control, and coordination. Additionally, a child may experience numbness and paralysis in the legs, and in the arms, which is less common.

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