What is spina bifida occulta

Help your child get any needed medical care. Reviewed by: Jeffrey W. Campbell, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Spina Bifida Occulta? Other kinds of spina bifida include: Meningocele: This is when a sac that contains spinal fluid pushes through the gap in the spine. The spinal cord is in its normal place in the spinal canal. The skin over the meningocele often is open. Myelomeningocele : This is when a sac that contains part of the spinal cord, its covering, and spinal fluid pushes through the gap in the spine and the skin.

It's visible on the baby's back. What Causes Spina Bifida Occulta? A woman may be more likely to have a baby with spina bifida occulta if she: takes certain seizure medicines during pregnancy already has had a baby with spina bifida has diabetes Not getting enough of the vitamin folic acid early in pregnancy is linked to meningocele and myelomeningocele, but not spina bifida occulta.

This information does not constitute medical advice for any individual. As special cases may vary from the general information presented here, SBA advises readers to consult a qualified medical or other professional on an individual basis.

Resources Spina Bifida Occulta. Download PDF Jump to Section Jump to Section. There are forms of Spina Bifida Occulta that do cause problems. They are: Lipomyelomeningocele and lipomeningocele—this is like a tethered spinal cord, except it is attached to a benign fatty tumor Thickened terminale—the end of the spinal cord is too thick Fatty terminale—there is a fatty lump at the inside end of the spinal cord Diastematomyelia split spinal cord and diplomyelia—the spinal cord is split in two, usually by a piece of bone or cartilage Dermal sinus tract with involvement of the spinal cord the spinal canal and the skin of the back are connected by what looks like a band of tissue Have you recently been diagnosed or are experiencing problems related to Spina Bifida Occulta?

Please join our online support community for Adults with Spina Bifida Occulta. The signs and symptoms of a possible neurological complication like a tethered spinal cord include: Pain in the back or legs Weakness in the legs Numbness or other changes in feeling in the legs or back Deformed legs, feet and back Change in bladder or bowel function People who could have a spinal cord problem should see a health care provider right away.

What about people with no signs of a problem? Menu Search Home Diseases Spina bifida occulta. You can help advance rare disease research! Not a rare disease. Other Names:. Occult spina bifida; Closed spina bifida. Nervous System Diseases. This disease is grouped under:. Spina bifida. Summary Summary. Symptoms Symptoms. Showing of 11 View All. Too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Fatty lump. Noncancerous fatty lump. Multiple fatty lumps. Spinal dimple.

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