How serious is spina bifida occulta?
Spina bifida occulta is when a baby’s backbone (spine) does not fully form during pregnancy. The baby is born with a small gap in the bones of the spine. The condition is common and happens in about 1 out of 10 people. Usually, it causes no health problems.
What problems can spina bifida occulta cause?
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of spina bifida occulta affect the function of specific parts of your body caused by damage to your nerves (neurologic deficit), which could include: Bowel and/or bladder problems (constipation, incontinence). Back pain. Muscle weakness (legs).
Does spina bifida affect the neck?
On a small sample, the atlas spina-bifida seems to be a cause of CEH associated with headache and disorders of the neck.
What is spina bifida occulta symptoms?
Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is a common malformation of the spine.
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When symptoms occur, they generally include:
- back pain.
- leg weakness.
- pain in the back of the legs.
- loss of bladder or bowel control.
- scoliosis, or a curving of the spine.
- numbness in the back or legs.
- misshapen legs and feet.
Does spina bifida occulta qualify for disability?
For many with spina bifida, their symptoms and complications are tremendous barriers to normal activities of childhood and to employment in adulthood. As such, spina bifida can qualify children and adults for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Can spina bifida occulta cause back pain later in life?
Spina bifida occulta in most cases is asymptomatic, but symptoms among the population may include back pain, enuresis, motor or sensory dysfunction, and posterior disc herniation.
Can you live a normal life with spina bifida occulta?
In most cases, spina bifida occulta causes no problems. The general term spina bifida describes several conditions that all arise from a defect in an embryo’s developing spine. Many people are familiar with the most severe type of spina bifida, sometimes called “open” spina bifida.
Can spina bifida get worse with age?
Adults who have spina bifida face different problems than do children, including: Normal aging process including loss of muscle strength and flexibility, less physical stamina, and a decrease in sensory abilities tend to decline faster or more sever for adults with SB.
Is spina bifida occulta genetic?
The exact causes of spina bifida occulta are not well understood. Both genetic and environmental factors seem to play a role. In general, a family history of spina bifida is a risk factor for having a child with spina bifida.
What does occulta mean?
Occulta = Latin: “hidden.” (Unlike in “open” spina bifida, the defect in spina bifida occulta is not visible.) Spina bifida occulta is a malformation of one or more vertebrae (bones of the spine). It is sometimes called “closed” spina bifida.
Is spina bifida occulta painful?
In a small number of people, spina bifida occulta causes pain and neurological challenges like tethered spinal cord, a complication that can be surgically corrected.
What is the difference between spina bifida and spina bifida occulta?
This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest type of spina bifida. It is sometimes called “hidden” spina bifida. With it, there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back.
Can I get disability for spina bifida occulta?
How do you treat spina bifida occulta?
When spina bifida occulta causes no symptoms, it requires no treatment. When it causes tethered cord, surgery to release the tether is sometimes recommended. In general, for any type of tether surgery, the bones of the spinal column are opened from behind to expose the full extent of the spinal cord tethering.