Are there disorders or conditions associated with spina bifida? Health issues are different for each person with spina bifida. Open spina bifida (myelomeningocele)—in which the spinal cord is exposed—tends to cause more severe problems.1 Hydrocephalus Many infants born with spina bifida get extra fluid in and around the brain, a condition called hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. The extra fluid can cause swelling of the head, which may lead to brain injury. Chiari II Malformation The brains of most children with open spina bifida are positioned abnormally. The lower part of the brain rests farther down than normal, partially in the upper spinal canal. Tethered Spinal Cord Typically, the bottom of the spinal cord floats freely in the spinal canal, but for many people with spina bifida, the spinal cord is attached to the spinal canal.
Paralysis, Mobility Limitations People with spina bifida high on the back (near the head, for instance) might not be able to move their legs. Lack of Bladder and Bowel Control Latex Allergy Learning Disabilities. Imperforate anus: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Imperforate anus is a defect that is present from birth (congenital). The opening to the anus is missing or blocked. The anus is the opening to the rectum through which stools leave the body.
Causes Imperforate anus may occur in several forms. The rectum may end in a pouch that does not connect with the colon.The rectum may have openings to other structures. The problem rare. Symptoms Anal opening very near the vagina opening in girlsBaby does not pass first stool within 24 - 48 hours after birthMissing or moved opening to the anusStool passes out of the vagina, base of penis, scrotum, or urethraSwollen belly area Exams and Tests A doctor can diagnose this condition during a physical exam. Treatment The infant should be checked for other problems, such as abnormalities of the genitals, urinary tract, and spine. Surgery to correct the defect is needed. Outlook (Prognosis) Most defects can successfully be corrected with surgery. Some children may need more surgery. Prevention Alternative Names. Myelomeningocele: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Myelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth.
The condition is a type of spina bifida. Causes Normally, during the first month of a pregnancy, the two sides of the spine (or backbone) join together to cover the spinal cord, spinal nerves and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord). Spina bifida refers to any birth defect involving incomplete closure of the spine. Myelomeningocele is the most common type of spina bifida. Myelomeningocele may affect as many as 1 out of every 800 infants. The rest of spina bifida cases are most commonly: Spina bifida occulta, a condition in which the bones of the spine do not close but the spinal cord and meninges remain in place and skin usually covers the defectMeningoceles, a condition where the tissue covering the spinal cord sticks out of the spinal defect but the spinal cord remains in place.
Other congenital disorders or birth defects may also be present in a child with myelomeningocele. Syringomyelia. Chiari Malformation. Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls balance. With CM, brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It can happen when part of the skull is too small, which pushes the brain tissue down. There are several types of CM. Some cause no symptoms and don't need treatment. If you have symptoms, they may include Neck painBalance problemsNumbness or other abnormal feelings in the arms or legsDizzinessVision problemsDifficulty swallowingPoor hand coordination Doctors diagnose CM using imaging tests. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.