What are the symptoms of spina bifida?

The symptoms of spina bifida vary from person to person, depending on the type and level of involvement. Closed neural tube defects are often recognized or identified early in life due to an abnormal tuft or clump of hair or a small dimple or birthmark on the skin at the site of the spinal malformation.

Meningocele and myelomeningocele generally involve a fluid-filled sac -- visible on the back -- protruding from the spinal canal.  In meningocele, the sac may be covered by a thin layer of skin. In most cases of myelomeningocele, there is no layer of skin covering the sac and an area of abnormally developed spinal cord tissue usually is exposed.

This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

General: Symptoms of spina bifida vary and depend on the type of spina bifida a person has.

Patients with spina bifida occulta usually have very few signs and symptoms. The skin directly over the spinal defect may be thicker, dimpled, hairy, or may have a birthmark.

The symptoms in spina bifida meningocele vary, ranging from few to no symptoms (like spina bifida occulta) to severe (such as paralysis and urinary problems). Spina bifida meningocele is usually associated with a fluid-filled sac protruding from the opening in the back.

Spina bifida myelomeningocele has the most apparent signs and symptoms, and these can also vary from person to person. One can usually see the meninges, spinal nerves, and sometimes the spinal cord pushing through an opening in the back.

Paralysis: Depending on where the spinal cord is exposed (where the sac protrudes), a person with spina bifida can have partial to complete paralysis. Paralysis tends to be more severe the higher the opening in the back.

Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus occurs when there is a buildup of the cerebrospinal fluid, a fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord. This affects about 70-90% of patients with spina bifida myelomeningocele. The defect in the spinal cord can block the flow of spinal fluid, which may not be able to drain properly. This results in an enlarged head and, if untreated, may lead to mental problems. A child with hydrocephalus should see a brain surgeon every 1-2 years. Hydrocephalus is treated by surgically placing a shunt, or hollow tube, into the brain so that extra fluid may drain into the abdomen.

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