Individuals may suffer minor disabilities and additional problems can develop later in life. Spina bifida occulta where the spinal cord or meninges are not involved is quite common. Cerebrospinal fluid is in the sac and there is usually no nerve damage. The term “occulta” refers to the fact that these lesions may indeed be “hidden” and are not found until later in life. This occurs when the protective coatings (meninges) come through the open part of the spine like a sac that is pushed out. Spina Bifida describes a group of spinal abnormalities resulting in the incomplete development of the spinal cord, the bones of spinal column (vertebrae) and overlying skin. It is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States, with an estimated 166,000 people currently living with Spina Bifida. The actual spina bifida life expectancy statistics suggest that 75% of children with this condition survive till early adulthood. They often have issues with pain, including the shoulders 1 and back, as well as neuropathic pain. Tethering can lead to problems later in life (during growth spurts) so it's necessary to surgically detach the spinal cord from surrounding tissue. In many cases, there is no nerve damage. Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. It is the most common neural tube defect in the US, affecting around 2,000 babies every year. Most have no problem: spina bifida occulta means there is a small defect in the posterior portion of a vertebra. Spina bifida is a congenital condition, present from birth, and which can usually be detected before a baby is born. Spina Bifida Family Support "Families Helping Families" www.spinabifidasupport.com . Spina Bifida Occulta This is the mildest form of the condition and children born with this type of defect rarely have any health problems and their spinal cord is largely unaffected. Babies with spina bifida occulta might not need any treatment, unless their spinal cord is tethered. Tethering can lead to problems later in life (during growth spurts) so it's necessary to surgically detach the spinal cord from surrounding tissue. Spina bifida can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after your baby is born. ‘Spina bifida’ literally translates to ‘split spine’, and the condition occurs when a baby’s spinal cord does not develop correctly. Babies with spina bifida occulta might not need any treatment, unless their spinal cord is tethered. Over the past year, we've seen a significant increase in inquiries about Spina Bifida Occulta (SBO) at our National Resource Center and in our website traffic. Spina Bifida Occulta. Spina bifida is a relatively common birth defect in the U.S. This happens during the first month of gestation, when a neural tube is developed. It's incredibly common for people to get diagnosed with SBO much later in life and be at a loss for where to turn, what resources to seek, and how to tackle new and difficult health issues. With it, there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back. Health Care Issues for Adults With Spina Bifida. Spina bifida occulta – the common form. Tethering can lead to problems later in life (during growth spurts) so it's necessary to surgically detach the spinal cord from surrounding tissue. 2 Neurogenic bowel and neurogenic bladder are common medical problems for people with Spina Bifida. Spina bifida is a condition in which a baby's spine doesn't properly develop, leaving a gap. Spina bifida occulta may not be diagnosed until later in life. It may go unnoticed until later in life and it does not cause any disabilities. There are two types of spina bifida, one being more common and less severe than the other. Spina Bifida Meningocele. Approximately 167,000 people with spina bifida live in the US. This makes the baby prone to life-threatening infections. An X-ray of their back at some point later in life may reveal the condition. In some cases, there are few or no signs that a child has spina bifida. In the past, spina bifida was considered life … The spinal cord and the nerves usually are normal. The types of spina bifida include the following: Spina bifida occulta. Babies with spina bifida occulta might not need any treatment, unless their spinal cord is tethered. Spina bifida occulta is another group of spine malformations. Some of the long term effects of spina bifida include: Urinary and renal problems, bowel problems, hydrocephalus surgery, movement disorder and lack of sensation. healthy people have spina bifida occulta and don’t even know it. Because the nerves have some protection from damage, babies who are born with this variety typically do not have problems at birth. 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