Spina Bifida Occulta

Spina bifida occulta is also one of the more mild forms of spina bifida that as many as 10 to 20 percent of people may have it. It is usually only found in people once they have an x-ray taken. 

There are different forms of even just spina bifida occulta that can cause problems though these include:

- A spinal cord that is tethered to a benign fatty tumor 

- The end of the spinal cord being too thick

- A fatty lump at the inside end of the spinal cord 

- The spinal cord is split in two...usually by a bone or cartilage

- The spinal canal and the back are connected by a piece of tissue

Signs/symptoms of Spina Bifida Occulta:

(A lot of these problems can occur in people that don't have spine issues as well)

- pain in back or legs

- weakness in legs

- numbness or other changes in feelings in the back or legs

- deformed legs, feet, and/or back

- change in bladder and/or bowel functions

Eighty percent of people with spina bifida occulta will have a superficial sign of having it, such as:

- a hairy patch

- a fatty lump

- a red or purple spot (made up of blood vessles)

- a dark spot of birth mark on their back

- a deep dimple

- an area with less skin color

For all of the information gathered I used the terms that I would understand, they all have their special names, but I thought I would only include the things that made sense to me. 

Information gathered from: http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.evKRI7OXIoJ8H/b.8277205/