what is spina bifida occulta?

I thought this might be a good way to provide a little more information about spina bifida for those who are curious about Hafsa's condition.

Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of spina bifida. There is an opening in one or more of the vertebrae (bones) of the spinal column.

There are generally no particular symptoms to spina bifida occulta, but there are a few characteristics that alerted the doctors to Hafsa's condition:

• small dimple in the skin along the spine (sacral region)
• fat pat over the occulta (or lipoma)
  
• skin tag/birthmark over base of spine
  

Not all of these signs are always present at birth, but may develop later in life.

Possible effects include: incontinence, foot deformities, weakness of the lower limbs, loss of reflexes, or numbness of the legs. Alhamdulillah, Hafsa currently functions well, with full mobility in her legs and feet, proper reflex response etc.

Hafsa also has a tethered spinal cord, often associated with SB. When a child is born, the spinal cord is normally located opposite the disc between the first and second lumbar vertebrae in the upper part of the lower back. In a baby with spina bifida, the spinal cord is still attached to the surrounding skin, preventing it from ascending normally so the spinal cord is low-lying or tethered. As the child continues to grow, the spinal cord can become stretched, becoming damaged by directly stretching it and by interfering with the blood supply to the spinal cord. The result can be progressive neurological, urological or orthopedic deterioration.

This is why Hafsa will have surgery this summer (July 5th) to de-tether her spinal cord. The operation is expected to be 2-3 hours duration, and she will stay in the hospital 3-5 days.


Information on tethered spinal cord

General information about Spina bifida occulta