Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of spina bifida depend on the type of the disease and how severely the spinal cord and surrounding nerves are affected.

Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of the disease. It occurs when one or more vertebrae are malformed. However, the spinal cord and its covering are undamaged and the condition typically does not cause disability or symptoms. About 5 percent to 10 percent of the population may have spina bifida occulta, but are unaware of it. In many cases, the only visible symptoms babies have are an abnormal tuft of hair, birthmark or dimple at the defect.

Spina bifida meningocele is a more severe form of the disease. It occurs when the meninges—the membranes that cover and protect the spinal cord—protrude from the spinal opening and form a fluid-filled sac visible on a babys back, which may be covered by a thin layer of skin. Babies may have few or no symptoms, while others may experience complications, such as partial paralysis and urinary and bowel dysfunction.

Spina bifida myelomeningocele is the most severe form of the disease. It occurs when the meninges and the spinal cord are exposed through the opening in the spine. Babies born with this condition may develop a variety of health problems, including partial or complete paralysis below the spinal cord, urinary and bowel dysfunction, hydrocephalus or excessive fluid in the brain and mental retardation, as well as impaired educational, social and psychological development.

Women who are pregnant with a fetus affected with spina bifida don't experience symptoms. However, there are several tests available to pregnant women that detect spina bifida before a baby is born.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007