What are the Effects of Spina Bifida? Neural Tube Defects in Children

If you know someone whose child has been diagnosed with Spina Bifida, one of your first questions may be, “What are the effects of Spina Bifida?” The effects of Spina Bifida will depend on each individual child and a broad range of factors. The severity of the Spina Bifida, the treatments and medications used, and the medical care a child receives will all have an impact on how Spina Bifida impacts a child.

What are the Effects of Spina Bifida? Types of Spina BifidaWhat are the Effects of Spina Bifida? Types of Spina Bifida

One of the major factors in how Spina Bifida will affect a child is what type of Spina Bifida the child has. There are three types of Spina Bifida: occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele (March of Dimes). Spina Bifida occulta is the least severe of the three forms of Spina Bifida. Most children have no symptoms, but others can have muscle weakness, pain, and other symptoms. Sometimes the only indication that a child has Spina Bifida is a dimple or hairy patch over the area of the spine that is affected. While most people affected with Spina Bifida occulta do not need treatment, others undergo extensive surgical procedures and medical treatments to treat the condition (NINDS).

Meningocele is the rarest form of Spina Bifida, resulting in a cyst bulging from the opening in the spine (March of Dimes). Doctors often surgically remove the cyst after birth, allowing the child to develop normally. In other cases, the Spina Bifida can cause lasting effects for the spine, nerves, and muscles.

Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of Spina Bifida. What are the effects of Spina Bifida in the myelomeningocele form? The cyst that bulges from the opening in the spine may contain nerve roots attached to the spinal cord or even the spinal cord itself. The opening must be closed surgically, but many Spina Bifida patients continue to have problems with muscle weakness, pain, and loss of bowel and bladder control (March of Dimes).

What are the Effects of Spina Bifida? Reference Materials

The following reference materials were consulted while preparing this article that answers the question of what are the effects of Spina Bifida. Consult them if you have further questions or a specific interest in this topic.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Spina Bifida Fact Sheet.” Retrieved December 18, 2008. Available: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

March of Dimes Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center. Quick References and Fact Sheets. “Spina Bifida.” Retrieved December 18, 2008. Available: March of Dimes Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center