<P> Iniencephaly is a rare neural tube defect that results in extreme bending of the head to the spine . The diagnosis can usually be made on antenatal ultrasound scanning, but if not will undoubtedly be made immediately after birth because the head is bent backwards and the face looks upwards . Usually the neck is absent . The skin of the face connects directly to the chest and the scalp connects to the upper back . The infant will usually not survive more than a few hours . </P> <P> Spina bifida is further divided into two subclasses, spina bifida cystica and spina bifida occulta . </P> <P> This includes meningocele and myelomeningocele . Meningocele is less severe and is characterized by herniation of the meninges, but not the spinal cord, through the opening in the spinal canal . Myelomeningocele involves herniation of the meninges as well as the spinal cord through the opening . </P> <P> In this type of neural tube defect, the meninges do not herniate through the opening in the spinal canal . By definition, spina bifida occulta means hidden split spine . The most frequently seen form of spina bifida occulta is when parts of the bones of the spine, called the spinous process, and the neural arch appear abnormal on a radiogram, without involvement of the spinal cord and spinal nerves . The risk of recurrence in those who have a first degree relative (a parent or sibling) is 5--10 times greater compared to the general population . </P>

3. high levels of alpha-fetoprotein are an indicator of neural tube defects