Spina bifida occulta: Signs, remedies, and origins
Spina Bifida Occulta, the most common form of spina bifida, is a condition characterised by a small opening in the spine without any damage to the spinal cord or nerves. In many cases, this condition causes no symptoms and is often discovered incidentally during an X-ray for another issue.
Though symptoms are usually absent, they may occasionally manifest as mild abnormal nerve sensations such as tingling or numbness, skin changes like dimples, hairy patches, or birthmarks over the affected area, or occasional back pain or localised tenderness. More serious complications, such as paralysis, bladder or bowel dysfunction, or hydrocephalus, which are common in other types of spina bifida, are not typical in occulta since the spinal cord and nerves remain intact.
A summary table provides a clear overview of the features of Spina Bifida Occulta:
| Feature | Spina Bifida Occulta | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Spinal cord involvement | None (spinal cord and nerves are healthy) | | Symptoms | Usually none; may have mild nerve irritation or skin changes | | Neurological complications| Rare to none | | Back deformities | Usually absent; occasionally cutaneous markers | | Bladder/bowel issues | Typically absent | | Major complications | Generally none |
In conclusion, Spina Bifida Occulta often remains symptom-free and does not lead to serious medical problems. When mild symptoms or complications occur, they are usually limited to abnormal sensations or skin changes over the defect. If symptoms such as back pain, neurological signs, or bladder/bowel dysfunction do occur, medical evaluation is warranted to rule out more severe forms or associated conditions.
Researchers are not certain about the exact causes of Spina Bifida Occulta, but it's more likely to occur in babies whose mothers do not have a sufficient intake of folic acid while pregnant. The name Spina Bifida Occulta comes from the Latin words "spina," "bifida," and "occulta," meaning spine, split, and hidden or secret. Some vertebrae in people with Spina Bifida Occulta are unable to close fully.
Having Spina Bifida Occulta does not automatically mean a person has a disability, but someone who suffers severe symptoms due to the condition may be entitled to benefits due to restrictions or limitations they may experience. Spina Bifida Occulta is also known as hidden spina bifida. It is often only discovered when a person visits their doctor for an unrelated reason.
Tethered Cord Syndrome, the most common complication of Spina Bifida Occulta, where the spinal cord becomes attached to the spinal column, restricting its movement, potentially causing nerve damage and neurological problems, may require surgery to free the cord. However, the cord can re-tether and the surgery may need to be repeated several times.
Ensuring the proper intake of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy can reduce the risk of spinal defects, such as Spina Bifida, by up to 70%. If a doctor suspects Spina Bifida Occulta, they may do follow-up tests such as an X-ray or MRI scan to confirm the condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Public Health Service (PHS) advise that all women who can become pregnant ensure they take a folic acid supplement.
Approximately 10-20% of people have Spina Bifida Occulta, many of whom are unaware. Spina Bifida Occulta develops when a baby's spine fails to form correctly in the womb. Spina Bifida Occulta has no known cure. Pregnant women are advised to take a folic acid supplement to boost their intake, even before conception.
- The most common form of spina bifida, Spina Bifida Occulta, is characterized by a small opening in the spine without affecting the spinal cord or nerves.
- In many cases, Spina Bifida Occulta causes no symptoms and is often discovered during an X-ray for another issue.
- Researchers believe that the condition is more likely to occur in babies whose mothers have an insufficient intake of folic acid while pregnant.
- When mild symptoms or complications occur in Spina Bifida Occulta, they are usually limited to abnormal sensations or skin changes over the defect.
- Having Spina Bifida Occulta does not necessarily mean a person has a disability, but someone with severe symptoms may be entitled to benefits due to restrictions or limitations.
- Tethered Cord Syndrome, a complication of Spina Bifida Occulta, may require surgery to free the spinal cord from the spinal column, potentially causing nerve damage and neurological problems.
- Ensuring proper folic acid supplementation during pregnancy can reduce the risk of spinal defects like Spina Bifida by up to 70%, and pregnant women are advised to take a folic acid supplement, even before conception.
