Hidden spina bifida is a congenital malformation that develops in the baby during the first month of pregnancy and is characterized by an incomplete closure of the spine and does not result in signs or symptoms in most cases, being diagnosed by images, such as magnetic ones.resonance imaging, for example, or during pregnancy during an ultrasound.
Although in most cases this does not cause symptoms, in some cases hair or a darker spot may be seen on the back, especially in the L5 and S1 vertebrae, suggesting a hidden spina bifida.
- Hidden spina bifida does not cure.
- However.
- Treatment may be indicated based on your child’s symptoms.
- However.
- When spinal cord damage is observed.
- Which is rare.
- Surgery may be necessary.
Spina bifida occult in most cases does not lead to the appearance of signs or symptoms, going unnoticed throughout life, especially since it does not affect the spinal cord or the meninges, which are the structures that protect the brain. ; however, some people may show signs reminiscent of spina bifida occulta, namely:
In addition, other signs and symptoms, such as scoliosis, weakness and pain in the legs and arms, and loss of bladder and bowel control, may appear when bone marrow damage is observed.
The causes of spina bifida occulta are not yet well understood, but it is believed to be due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy or insufficient folic acid intake.
Diagnosis of hidden spina bifida may also be made during pregnancy by ultrasound and amniocentesis, which is a test that aims to verify the amount of alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid, which is a protein found in large amounts in the case of spina bifida.
It is also possible to diagnose spina bifida after birth by looking at signs and symptoms that the person may have had, in addition to the results of the images, such as X-rays and MRI, which in addition to identifying the hidden spina bifida allows the doctor to look for signs of spinal cord injury.
As spina bifida is hidden in most cases, there is no damage to the spinal cord or meninges, no treatment is necessary, however, in case of symptoms, treatment is done in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations and aims to relieve signs and symptoms.Presented.
However, if the spinal cord is damaged, surgery may be required to correct the change in the spinal cord, thus reducing associated symptoms.