Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of spina bifida vary by type and severity, and also between individuals.

• Spina bifida occulta. Typically there aren't any signs or symptoms because the spinal nerves aren't involved. But you can sometimes see signs on the newborn's skin above the spinal defect, including an abnormal tuft of hair, or a small dimple or birthmark. Sometimes, the skin marks can be signs of an underlying spinal cord issue that can be discovered with MRI or spinal ultrasound in a newborn.
• Myelomeningocele. In this severe type of spina bifida:
• The spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back
• Both the membranes and the spinal cord or nerves protrude at birth, forming a sac
• Tissues and nerves usually are exposed, though sometimes skin covers the sac

When to see a doctor

Typically, myelomeningocele is diagnosed before or right after birth, when medical care is available. These children should be followed by a specialized team of doctors throughout their lives, and families should be educated on the different complications to watch for.

Children with spina bifida occulta typically don't have any symptoms or complications, so usually only routine pediatric care is needed.