What are the Symptoms of Spina Bifida?

Some symptoms of spina bifida include an abnormal hair tuft, a small birthmark or dimple above the area of the spinal defect, or a collection of fat. In addition, many patients who have this condition are not even aware that it is present, unless discovered incidentally during other unrelated medical imaging tests. Spina bifida is a classification of birth defects known as neural tube defects. The neural tube refers to the embryonic structure which eventually forms into a baby's spinal cord and brain.

Symptoms of spina bifida vary in severity, but may include symptoms that are related to spina bifida occulta, which is the mildest for of this condition. It presents as a small gap or separation in single, or multiple spinal vertebrae. As the nerves of the spine are typically not involved, most children who have this type of spina bifida usually have no outward signs or symptoms and exhibit no neurological problems. The symptoms of spina bifida occulta reflect the name, as their term, occult refers to being hidden, or not seen.

Open spina bifida has more pronounced symptoms, which include the presence of a menigocele. In this form, protective membranes that surround the spinal cord actually push through the opening of the vertebrae. Because the spinal cord normally develops even in light of this condition, these membranes may be surgically removed with minimal or little damage to the nerve pathways. The membranes that surround the spinal cord are referred to as the meninges, hence the term, menigocele.

Symptoms of spina bifida may also include a myelomeningocle. This condition is referred to as open spina bifida, because the spinal canal is open along the vertebrae in the middle or lower back area. Because of the opening, the spinal cord and membranes protrude, forming the characteristic sac on the infant's back. Sometimes, skin covers this sac, however, commonly, the nerves and tissues are exposed, leaving the baby susceptible to severe, and sometimes life-threatening complications, such as severe local and systemic infections.

Sometimes, neurological impairment, including paralysis may also be characteristic of the symptoms of spina bifida. In addition, bladder and bowel problems and seizures may also be present. The causes of spina bifida are not totally understood, however, they may be a result of environmental and genetic risk factors. These factors include family history and folic-acid deficiency. Since the symptoms of spina bifida can range from mild to life threatening, prompt diagnosis and medical intervention is critical to a more favorable outcome.