Anpheros Search · Condition

Spina Bifida

Also known as: Spina bifida, unspecified · Cleft spine · Open spine · Myelomeningocele

General information only. Anpheros does not diagnose and does not recommend treatment. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your situation. In an emergency, call 112 (or your local emergency number).

In short

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that happens if the spinal column of the fetus does not close completely during the first month of pregnancy, which can damage the nerves and spinal cord. The symptoms of spina bifida vary from person to person, and some people may have learning difficulties, urinary and bowel problems, or hydrocephalus. The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, but it seems to run in families, and taking folic acid daily can reduce the risk of having a baby with the condition.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

AI-generated summary of the sources cited on this page, checked automatically against them. Not reviewed by a clinician; not medical advice.

Codes

ICD-10: Q05
ICD-11: LA02.Z Spina bifida, unspecified

Description

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect - a type of birth defect of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. It happens if the spinal column of the fetus doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy. This can damage the nerves and spinal cord. Screening tests during pregnancy can check for spina bifida. Sometimes it is discovered only after the baby is born.
The symptoms of spina bifida vary from person to person. Most people with spina bifida are of normal intelligence. Some people need assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. They may have learning difficulties, urinary and bowel problems, or hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain.
The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown. It seems to run in families. Taking folic acid can reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida. It's in most multivitamins. Women who could become pregnant should take it daily.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

Next to it in ICD-10

Neighbouring codes in the classification, not a medical link.

External resources

Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for Spina Bifida?

Q05 (WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision).

What is the ICD-11 code for Spina Bifida?

LA02.Z: Spina bifida, unspecified (WHO, ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics).

Sources and attribution

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
Names other than the official source titles: Anpheros translations and plain-language names, made with AI assistance and checked automatically; the source names are in English.
ICD-10 codes and titles © World Health Organization. Source: WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (2019).

Anpheros Search catalog 2026.10.5, published 17 October 2026. About the data →

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