Symptoms Of Spina Bifida

Other Symptoms Of The Different Types

Besides the most severe type, myelomeningocele, spina bifida presents itself in two additional forms: occulta and meningocele. Spina bifida occulta means 'hidden' as this is the mildest form of this condition, and many individuals with this form are not even aware they have it as it is generally asymptomatic. The most obvious sign of this type is a tuft of hair or a birthmark at the site of the defect.

Meningocele spina bifida (along with myelomeningocele) is when a visible sac is poking through the infant’s back, and there may be a thin layer of skin covering this sac. Specifically, with meningocele, the membranes around the spinal cord protrude out through an opening in the vertebrae, forming a fluid-filled sac, and is quite visible at birth.