3. Bowel incontinence
Many of the systems in the body are controlled by nerves located in the spinal cord. One such system is the bowels. The nerves in the spinal cord help regulate a person’s ability to control their sphincter muscles, which is what allows you to hold our stool in until you reach a toilet. Spina bifida greatly affects the development of these nerves. In some cases, the nerves are completely damaged and unable to function.
A common symptom among most people afflicted with spina bifida is bowel incontinence. This symptom causes constipation which is then followed by periods of uncontrolled diarrhea. There is no cure for bowel incontinence caused by spina bifida.
However, there are therapies that may be able to increase the strength of the pelvic walls to reduce the frequency of accidents. Though the patient may feel the urge to vacate prior to their bowels loosening, they have little to no control over their sphincter muscles.