Spina Bifida Occulta Overview

Spina bifida occulta is considered to be the mildest form of the condition. It is estimated 10 t0 20 percent of all humans have this condition but are unaware of it. Most with this form of spina bifida never suffer a complication. However, a small percentage of the people with the condition can suffer drastic complications.

Spina bifida occulta is the one form of the condition that little information remains known. Many doctors currently believe this condition causes no complications through out life. However, recent studies push for the condition to be classified as causing the same risks and complications as other forms of spina bifida. When people are diagnosed with this condition they are often told they will lead a normal life. For most this is true, however there are an unlucky few that will suffer from the complications. Because so many doctors are poorly educated about this form of spina bifida it is important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the condition to help find the best treatment possible.

Complications of Spina Bifida Occulta
In the select few that will suffer from complications from this condition, there are serious complications that can arise. One of the most common complications is a tethered spinal cord. This occurs when the lower end of the cord in not properly attached to the body. The cord can easily become stretched or damaged, especially during growth spurts. Other forms of a tethered spinal cord include ipomyelomeningocele and lipomeningocele. Both of these forms are identical to a regular tethered spinal cord with one major difference, it is attached to a fatty benign tumor.

Other complications of the condition include a thickened filum terminale. This is where the spinal cord is thicker than normal. There can also be a fatty lump at the end of the spinal cord called a fatty filum terminale. The spinal cord can also be split in two, normally by a piece of bone or cartilage. This is known as either diastematomyelia or dplomyelia. Another complication of the condition is a dermal sinus tract. This involves the deep spinal canal in the skin of the back.

Symptoms of Spina Bifida Occulta
While most people with spina bifida occulta do not experience any symptoms of the condition, others do. Common symptoms of the condition include pain of the legs and back, weakness in the legs, and numbness and tingling of the back and legs. The condition can cause the feet, back, and legs to be deformed. Many experience complications with bowel and bladder functions.

Signs of Spina Bifida Occulta
Many people with this condition have common signs of the condition. Many have a hairy patch or fatty lump on the spine. Others have a spot made up of blood vessels that has a red or purple appearance known as a hemangioma. Dark birth spots that are red (mongolian) are also common. A very common sign of the condition includes a skin sinus or skin tract that takes the appearance of a very deep dimple, usually at the top of the buttocks.

Risks of Spina Bifida Occulta
While this condition can affect anyone, certain people are at a higher risk for the condition than others. People with a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, have a 5 to 10 percent increased risk of having the condition. This condition does appear to be caused by genetics but it can occur in anyone.

Prevention of Spina Bifida Occulta
While this condition can affect anyone, there are certain precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of a fetus developing the condition, especially when an increased risk is present. Pregnant women should have at least 400 mg of folic acid through out pregnancy to reduce the risk of this condition occurring, especially during the early months of pregnancy. Many times the condition can be spotted before birth during routine ultrasounds.