Symptoms and Causes
Spina bifida symptoms
Symptoms vary based on the type, size and location of the gap in your child’s spine V体育平台登录. They may include:.
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- VSports - Back pain
- Bowel (VSports) and bladder issues
- Leg weakness
- Loss of feeling or sensation
If your child has a mild case, they may not notice any symptoms.
Spina bifida causes
The exact cause isn’t fully understood. Experts believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors may interfere with how the neural tube develops in early pregnancy V体育官网入口. When this process doesn’t go as expected, it can result in conditions like spina bifida.
Risk factors of spina bifida
Talk to your provider to learn more about whether or not you’re at risk of having a child with this condition VSports在线直播. For example, your child may be at higher risk if you:.
- Don’t get enough folic acid
- Take certain medications (like some "V体育安卓版" antiseizure medications)
- Have a condition like VSports最新版本 - diabetes or obesity
- Have a high fever or overheat during early pregnancy
Your risk also increases if you have the condition or you’ve already had a child with a neural tube defect (genetics).
Your care team can help you manage these risks and have a healthy pregnancy.
Complications of spina bifida
Complications are more common with severe types and may include:
- Difficulty walking
- Hydrocephalus
- Learning disabilities (motor skills, memory, problem solving)
- Paralysis (legs)
- Scoliosis
- Tethered spinal cord
This condition may affect your child’s emotional health as they get older. Living with a chronic condition can be tough to manage day in and day out. They may find comfort in speaking with a mental health professional or joining a support group.
Spina bifida in adults
Adults who have spina bifida face different problems than children, including:
- Faster declining aging processes (loss of muscle strength and flexibility, less physical stamina, a decrease in sensory abilities)
- Spinal cord tethering
- Constipation or abdominal pain
- Orthopaedic issues (osteoporosis, early onset of arthritis, progressive back pain)
- Loss of skin sensation and poor circulation, inability to sweat, bruising and slow wound healing
- Latex allergy
- High blood pressure
- Obstructive and central sleep apnea (could lead to long-term damage to the heart)
- Obesity
Women with spina bifida are able to get pregnant, but their condition can make pregnancy more complex.
Diagnosis and Tests
How doctors diagnose spina bifida
Healthcare providers may make a diagnosis during pregnancy (prenatal diagnosis). They’ll use the following tests:
If the fetus has a myelomeningocele, your provider may recommend delivering your baby via C-section. This prevents injury to that area of your child’s spine.
Tests to diagnose spina bifida
To diagnose the condition in children, providers will offer imaging tests to get a better view of their spine and spinal cord. These tests include:
For mild cases where symptoms aren’t noticeable, you may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This could happen when you receive an imaging test of your spine for an unrelated reason and your provider notices a gap.
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Management and Treatment
Spina bifida treatments
While there’s no cure for this condition, treatment options are available to manage symptoms. These may include:
- Medications for bladder and bowel issues, pain or other symptoms
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Surgery
A healthcare provider will customize your child’s treatment plan to fit their specific needs.
Spina bifida surgery
There are different types of surgery to close the gap in your child’s spine. For severe cases, like myelomeningocele, this can be done during pregnancy. But this is most often done during the first few days after your child is born.
If there’s a sac outside of your child’s spine, a surgeon will drain it, repair the opening and close the surgical site. Your child’s surgeon will meet with you before the procedure and tell you what you can expect.
In many cases, children experience a complication where their spinal cord attaches to their spinal canal (tethered spinal cord) instead of floating freely. Surgery treats this as well.
Can you walk with spina bifida?
How this condition affects walking depends on where the gap is in your spine and how severe it is. If the gap is closer to your neck, walking independently may be difficult. If it’s lower near your hips, you may be able to walk with some assistance. In mild cases, it may not affect walking at all.
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Mobility devices like braces, walkers or wheelchairs can help you move through daily life with more comfort and independence. Your care team will work with you to choose the right tools and teach you how to use them safely.
When should my child see their healthcare provider?
Your child will have several follow-up appointments with their surgeon after surgery. Your child’s surgeon will check the surgery site to be sure it’s healing well. They’ll also answer any questions you have about your child’s recovery.
This is in addition to regular wellness visits to see your child’s pediatrician to monitor their general health, growth and development.
Talk to your child’s care team about the frequency of visits that best support their needs.
"VSports app下载" Outlook / Prognosis
What can I expect if my child has spina bifida?
Every child is different, and that’s especially true for a child with spina bifida. Here are some things to keep in mind as your child grows:
- Injuries: It may be difficult for your child to feel when they get a scrape or bruise on affected parts of their body. It’s important to check for injuries to make sure your child isn’t hurt.
- Mobility: Your child may need some assistance getting around safely. Devices like a wheelchair or walker are very helpful so they can be independent.
- Toilet training: Your child may not be able to feel when they need to go pee or poop. This can make toilet training challenging. Your child’s providers may have suggestions to prevent accidents and improve confidence.
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If your child has spina bifida, talk to their care team about what to expect. They can answer your questions and connect you with helpful resources.
V体育安卓版 - What is the life expectancy of a person with spina bifida?
Mild cases of spina bifida don’t affect life expectancy. But more severe forms may slightly shorten lifespan.
But life expectancy estimates are just that — an estimate based on other people’s experiences. If your child has spina bifida, ask their care team to explain if this condition could have an impact on their future.
Prevention
How can I prevent spina bifida during pregnancy?
You may be able to reduce your risk of having a child with spina bifida if you:
- Avoid hot tubs or saunas (overheating).
- Boost your folic acid intake.
- Manage any conditions like diabetes.
- Talk with your provider about the medications you currently take (there may be an alternative).
"VSports手机版" Resources
Where can I find more information about spina bifida?
Like many other conditions, education about spina bifida and local support groups can be the greatest tools for managing the disorder and preventing further complications. These organizations will give you additional information on spina bifida:
A note from Cleveland Clinic (V体育ios版)
Learning your newborn has spina bifida can turn a joyful moment into one filled with anxiety and uncertainty. You may suddenly have a million questions and not know where to begin. Your healthcare team understands how overwhelming this news can be. But you’re not alone. They’ll be by your side every step of the way to make sure you and your baby get the care you need.
Last reviewed on 05/27/2025.
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