How to Recognize Spina Bifida Symptoms

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Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects in the U.S. affecting about 1 of every 2,858 babies born in the United States. [1] When the brain, spinal cord, or the protective covering of either – also called the meninges – does not develop properly, a neural tube defect forms and complications may arise. [2] Currently the cause is unknown, but scientists believe many factors are involved. There are several ways to recognize spina bifida.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Checking for Spina Bifida in Babies, Children, and Adults

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  1. The color change could be the spot of neural tube incompletion. There may also be a malformation on the spine.
    • Keep in mind that many birth marks are normal and do not indicate a problem. Ask your doctor to check any birth marks that you have along your spine if you suspect a problem.
  2. There may be a malformation of the bone, fat, or membranes over the spine. This is usually a sign of closed neural tube issues.
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  3. When the backbone doesn’t close the way it should, there is sometimes a tuft of hair at the opening. This can be undiagnosed until after birth, as with some other symptoms, because the ultrasound did not show the spine at the correct angle. [3]
  4. In some cases of spina bifida, there may be some severe symptoms, such as lower body issues, which includes deformities as well as muscle weakness. These may include:
    • Physical and intellectual disabilities. However, most people with spina bifida without hydrocephalus are of normal intelligence.
    • Paralysis.
    • Urinary and bowel control problems.
    • Blindness and/or deafness (rarely). [4]
  5. The sac will be protruding from the spinal column area, which is either the meningocele (no spinal cord connection) or meningomyelocele (spinal cord connection) form of spina bifida. Sometimes there is a thin layer of skin covering the sac that protrudes from the back. Other associated symptoms follow:
    • Partial or total paralysis may occur.
    • Bladder and bowel problems are possible.
  6. A condition called Chiari II malformation is possible, where a portion of the brain protrudes lower into the neck area or spinal canal. This causes various issues, which also includes some upper arm function.
  7. A buildup of fluid around the brain, also called hydrocephalus, may occur, creating harmful pressure on the surrounding area. The most common indications of hydrocephalus in babies is an increased head size, but babies can potentially have a litany of symptoms including seizures, drowsiness, grouchiness, lowered eyes, and nausea or vomiting.
    • Babies might develop meningitis, an infection in the tissues surrounding the brain. Meningitis can cause brain injury and threaten the life of the baby.
    • There may be learning disabilities such as short attention span , difficulties with language and reading , and problems with math.
  8. Usually this is for spina bifida occulta (SBO), the mildest form of spina bifida, but it can confirm other types as well. The primary method of discovering forms of SBO that may cause problems is an x-ray that can detect a small gap or abnormality of the spine, or less often a spinal cord that is tethered, thickened, contains a fatty lump, is split in two, or connected to skin. This can also be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan. Most people with SBO don't have any problems. However, there may be some other associated symptoms with SBO, such as:
    • Pain, numbness, or weakness in the back or legs
    • Deformed legs, feet, back
    • Change in bladder or bowel function
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Detecting Spina Bifida During Pregnancy

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  1. During the second trimester (it’s not detectable in the first trimester), at roughly 16-18 weeks, spina bifida is typically detected via the MSAFP which measures something called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Higher levels of AFP are a potential sign of an uncovered neural tube.
    • Keep in mind that the MSAFP test is not 100% accurate, and further tests may be required.
  2. If your AFP levels are high, then your doctor will probably want to do an ultrasound. An ultrasound can provide images of an unborn baby’s spine and spinal cord, which may enable the doctor to diagnose spina bifida. [5]
  3. During amniocentesis, the doctor extracts some amniotic sac fluid that protects the fetus. Using the fluid, the doctor can screen for high levels of AFP. The one downside to this test, however, is that it is not thorough enough to know the degree to which spina bifida has affected the baby.
  4. Scans that are postnatal, after the baby is born, are often the only way milder forms of spina bifida are discovered. An x-ray, MRI, or CT scan examination can be performed. This option is used primarily when the spina bifida symptoms are not clearly visible.
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      Tips

      • Meningocele surgery for the two most severe forms of spina bifida, meningocele and myelomeningocele, may be necessary. To prevent infection, this procedure is necessary if the fluid sac is not covered by skin within two days after birth. [6]
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      • Those who suffer with spina bifida might need crutches, braces, or wheelchairs. [7]
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      • Do not smoke or drink alcohol during your pregnancy. [8]
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      Warnings

      • Hispanic babies are at an increased risk for spina bifida.
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      • Some symptoms may not manifest until children get a little older. Potential symptoms that fall into this category are latex allergies, sleep disorders, depression, and future gastrointestinal problems.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/data-research/facts-stats/
      2. ↑ https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/ntds/conditioninfo/Pages/default.aspx
      3. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/spina-bifida/about/index.html
      4. ↑ https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/ntds/conditioninfo/symptoms
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/spina-bifida/about/index.html
      6. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003020.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/myelomeningocele#Treatment5
      8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774437/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To recognize spina bifida symptoms, look for discoloration or birthmarks along the spine, which could be the result of a neural tube defect. You should also examine the spine for fatty lumps, protrusions, or dimples since they can indicate a malformation of the spine or the fat that's over it. Additionally, check for small clumps of hair along the spine, which could be the result of the backbone not closing properly. In addition to irregularities along the spine, some other symptoms you should keep an eye out for include difficulty eating and breathing and an abnormally large head. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to detect spina bifida during pregnancy, scroll down.

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        Jan 7, 2018

        "The problems that may arise in adult and children due to spina bifida is discussed nicely."
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