Effects of Spina Bifida in Children

Spina Bifida is one of the most common birth defects, and occurs when the spinal column does not develop properly or does not close properly before birth. As a result of this failure of the spinal column to develop or close, the effects of Spina Bifida can range from mild to severe and can affect several systems including the nervous system, digestive system, muscular system, and urinary system.

Effects of Spina Bifida: Nervous System

The effects of Spina Bifida can affect the nervous system in many ways. The severity will depend on the type of Spina Bifida a child is born with. If a child has Spina Bifida occulta, the least severe form of Spina Bifida, the neurological effects may be limited. In some cases, the location of the Spina Bifida lesion will mean that the effects are more severe. If a patient has meningocele or myelomeningocele, the effects may be more severe than those seen in Spina Bifida occulta. The effects of Spina Bifida on the nervous system can include reduced sensation, paralysis, spinal column deformities, tethered spinal cord, and sexual difficulties (State of Victoria Better Health Channel).

Spina Bifida can also cause fluid and pressure to build up on the brain, causing headaches and other nervous system issues. This buildup of fluid is called hydrocephalus, and literally means “water on the brain” (NINDS). The fluid that builds up is not water, but is actually cerebrospinal fluid. This condition is often treated with the insertion of a shunt that can drain the fluid and relieve the pressure (NINDS).

Effects of Spina Bifida: Urinary System

Some types of Spina Bifida may cause paralysis of varying degrees. This can lead to urinary incontinence and poor urinary control. Neurogenic bladder may also be an issue faced by children with Spina Bifida. Neurogenic bladder is when the nerves that carry messages from the brain to the bladder, letting the muscles know when to release urine, do not work like they are supposed to work (University of Virginia Health System). The result can be leaking of urine, urinary retention, kidney damage due to bladder reflux, and frequent urinary tract infections (University of Virginia Health System).

Effects of Spina Bifida: Digestive System

The digestive system relies on the muscles of the digestive tract to perform many of its major functions. When the spinal lesion caused by Spina Bifida affects these muscles, the digestive system can be affected. Some of the effects of Spina Bifida on the digestive system include problems with constipation, bowel incontinence, and incomplete emptying of the bowel (State of Victoria Better Health Channel). Children with Spina Bifida may have to undergo surgical treatment or participate in bowel management programs to minimize the effects of Spina Bifida on bowel control.

Effects of Spina Bifida Reference Materials

The following sources on the effects of Spina Bifida were consulted in the writing of this article. If you want to learn more about the effects of Spina Bifida in children, consult these resources for additional information.

State of Victoria Better Health Channel. “Spina Bifida Explained.” Published October 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2008. Available: State of Victoria Health Channel

University of Virginia Health System. Department of Urology. “Neurogenic Bladder.” Published September 18, 2007. Retrieved November 30, 2008. Available: University of Virginia Health System

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “NINDS Hydrocephalus Information Page.” Published December 9, 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2008. Available: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke