What does occulta mean?
Occulta means hidden. It’s the mildest and most common type. Spina bifida occulta results in a small separation or gap in one or more of the bones of the spine (vertebrae).
What is a spina bifida occulta?
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. The spinal cord and the nerves usually are normal. Many times, spina bifida occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood.
Is spina bifida occulta serious?
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.
What causes spina bifida occulta?
The cause of spina bifida occulta is unknown. Research suggests that the cause could relate to several genetic, nutritional and environmental factors, including: A lack of folic acid (vitamin B9) during pregnancy. A history of the condition in your family (genetic).
How long can a person live with spina bifida?
Generally, medical professionals state that about 90% of patients with SB will live past their third decade of life. However this number has increased over the years because of improvements in medical technology so it has increased the life expectancy of patients born with spina bifida.
What are the symptoms of spina bifida occulta?
Symptoms of spina bifida occulta
- 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.
Is spina bifida occulta painful?
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. Fusion of vertebral lamina forms the spinous process, and this process serves as attachment sites for many extensor muscles.
What is the average life expectancy of a person with spina bifida?
Can you play sports with spina bifida occulta?
The associated instability of the dorsal vertebral column may yield spondylolisthesis requiring surgical intervention. Competitive sport should be avoided if possible, or carried out in close collaboration with a coach and a physiotherapist under continuous medical supervision with regular radiological monitoring.
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