{"id":9440,"date":"2019-08-18T14:17:36","date_gmt":"2019-08-18T14:17:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9440"},"modified":"2021-06-22T13:58:37","modified_gmt":"2021-06-22T13:58:37","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-spina-bifida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-symptoms-of-spina-bifida\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Spina Bifida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that results in the spinal cord not being covered by the bones of the vertebral column. Patients who have this defect suffer from various symptoms. The defect also has a negative effect on intellectual development and physical development. The defect is congenital which means that it starts during gestation. Spina bifida presents one of four types, each with varying severity. Not all types have noticeable symptoms, but testing can confirm the defect in every instance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The four types of spina bifida are; occult, meningocele, closed neural tube defects and myelomeningocele. Not every type of spina bifida has neurological symptoms. In mild cases, a person may live their whole life without knowing they have the defect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the severity and type of spina bifida worsen, the symptoms become more pronounced, the worst being complete paralysis. The eight most common symptoms of spina bifida are further explained below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cerebrospinal fluid buildup<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The watery fluid that inhibits the brain cavity is called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid is essential for the brain and nervous system to function effectively. This fluid can be found along the spinal cord, in the brain and around the surface of the brain<\/a>. The brain generates a much as a pint of cerebrospinal fluid each day that’s used to feed the brain, protect the nervous system and clear away waste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anytime there is a buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid it can lead to hydrocephalus which will result in damage to the brain if left untreated. This fluid is usually absorbed by blood cells, but that process is interrupted in Spina bifida patients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hydrocephalus can also lead to increased difficulty in learning. Hydrocephalus puts an increasing amount of pressure on the brain which will affect learning, coordination, and even auto reflexes over time. Hydrocephalus eventually causes permanent brain damage if he buildup of fluid is not stemmed or relieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Leg weakness or paralysis<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In more severe cases of spina bifida weakness of the legs or total paralysis <\/a>can occur. Spina bifida is caused by the failure of the neural tube to close during gestation, which leaves an opening as the fetus grows. When the opening is located at the top of the spinal column, the more likely the chances of complete paralysis. The opening on the spine can also appear in other locations such as in the middle or at the base. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lower the opening is on the spine, the less debilitating the weakness will become. Regardless of where the opening on the spine is located, movement in other areas of the body can be affected. Almost every Spina bifida patient suffers some degree of leg paralysis. This may result in the need for braces or walking aids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who do not get the proper amount of exercise in their weakened limbs may experience misshapen bones or dislocated joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Bowel incontinence<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many of the systems in the body are controlled by nerves located in the spinal cord<\/a>. One such system is the bowels. The nerves in the spinal cord help regulate a person\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Skin problems<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person’s sense of feeling on the skin helps to prevent damage and to recognize where there is a problem. Spina bifida<\/a> causes paralysis and weakness in the lower extremities which can also cause a deadening of sensation on the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a person has no feeling on their skin, it is easier for it to be damaged without knowing. For example, if an ulcer develops on the skin of a normal person, it will cause intense pain and discomfort. This will prompt the person to seek treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients suffering from spina bifida may develop sores and infections that are left untreated due to their inability to feel pain along the skin. Sores or other forms of damage such as burns or bites that deteriorate due to lack of treatment can cause system-wide infections. Spina bifida also often causes an allergy to latex. Any exposure may result in rashes or even anaphylactic shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Urinary incontinence<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Neural tube defects prevent the nerves along the spine from developing properly. Most people who suffer from spina bifida also experience urinary incontinence as a common symptom. The nerves in the spine help a person to store and release urine consciously. Those with spina bifida are unable to do either. In many cases, accidents and urinary tract infections<\/a> occur on a regular basis due to lack of control over the bladder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hydronephrosis is common in spina bifida patients, which is a build-up of urine in the kidneys. This buildup causes swelling and stretching which eventually leads to scarring. Urinary incontinence in spina bifida patients also causes an increased risk for developing kidney stones. In order to reduce the chances of infection, regular monitoring of the kidneys and bladder of spina bifida patients is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Urinary pressure can be monitored through periodic ultrasound scans which can help reduce the pressure on the kidneys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Coordination & movement issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The muscles <\/a>in the body are controlled by the nerves in the spinal cord. The brain is in charge of telling the nerves how to function. When a neural tube defect such as spina bifida damages the nerves, problems controlling those muscles arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people who suffer from spina bifida exhibit coordination and movement issues as a symptom of their ailment. Depending on how severe their type of spina bifida is, some may experience weakness or total lack of control over their limbs. This leads to issues with mobility and coordination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often ankle or leg supports are required to assist with movement, though in some cases the paralysis is total. Due to the weakness and inability to move properly, bone development may also become stunted. As a result, many spina bifida patients have deformed joints, frequent fractures, and even misshapen bones. Serious cases can result in the development of scoliosis in some patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Cognitive symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Neural tube defects affect more than just the body, they also affect the mind. People with spina bifida have a normal range of intelligence but most will face various levels of learning difficulties. Neural tube defects can cause cognitive problems such as a decrease in thinking, awareness, and judging situations appropriately. Many afflicted with spina bifida have a difficult time understanding spoken language, solving complex problems, grasping abstract concepts, reading and making finite plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The level of difficulty is directly tied to the type of spina bifida the person has. This neural tube defect can also cause Type 2 Arnold-Chiari malformation. This is when there is an abnormal development involving the cerebellum<\/a>. This can lead to hydrocephalus in severe cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In less serious cases it has been known to cause issues with physical coordination and the ability to process spoken language. There is no cure for these symptoms, however, therapy can lessen the severity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Sexual dysfunction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most males who are born with spina bifida are later shown to develop the symptoms. Although the neural tube defect affects the development of the spine and nerves, the male patients retain an intact penile vasculature and architecture. 3\/4ths of men with spina bifida are unable to maintain an erection leading to being diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. In addition to erectile dysfunction<\/a>, the defect can also cause infertility. It is thought that the cause of infertility in men with spina bifida is due to spermatogenic defects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more severe the spinal cord lesion the higher the likelihood of infertility and dysfunction. Most neural tube defects are passed on genetically, however, there is a low percentage of spina bifida cases passed on due to the low instances of fertility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Men who have spina bifida have been able to reproduce thanks to intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Not enough studies exist in regard to the effects of spina bifida on female sexual health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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