Spina bifida occulta, according to the Spina Bifida Association of America, means "hidden split spine" due to its often mild (and therefore undetected) nature. It is a specific type of nervous birth defect (called a neural tube defect) that---unlike other forms of spina bifida---can be overlooked for many years. Nevertheless, there are some symptoms of the defect.
Definition
Spina bifida occulta, according to the Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA), is a group of congenital defects that commonly occurs as a vertebrae malformation in approximately 20% of the American population. The malformation is painless and does not typically cause any symptoms, though other symptoms associated with spina bifida (occulta and otherwise) can be problematic in many ways, from the physical pain of limb malformation to the public awkwardness of accidents associated with incontinence.
Other Types
In addition to simple bone irregularities, spina bifida occulta can also refer to the rare occurrence of tethered spinal cords or other stretches, tears or malformations within the spinal cord. These defects are considerably rare (according to the SBAA) but may produce pain, weakness, numbness and/or malformation in the back or legs, as well as a deficiency in bladder and bowel control (incontinence).
Other Symptoms
Often those with nervous disorders will have defects on the skin near or at the site of the defect. With spina bifida occulta, these defects include masses of hair, fatty lumps, red or purple spots on the skin due to the collection of blood vessels, dark spots on the skin (also known as Mongolian spots), skin tracts or tunnels and areas of lighter skin.
Reoccurence
Children of parents or siblings of others with spina bifida (occulta or otherwise)--according to the SBAA--are five to ten times more likely to be born with spina bifida. The SBAA states that a regimen of healthy folic acid intake by pregnant mothers may help reduce the chances of having a child with spina bifida.
Warning
If you believe you have spina bifida, seek the advice and treatment of a medical professional. The presence of the aforementioned symptoms does not automatically indicate the presence of spina bifida occulta or any other condition. Always seek the council of a medical professional for any condition.
