Spina Bifida Occulta (Cont.)

Cause of Spina Bifida Occulta

The exact cause of spina bifida occulta is not known. However, research scientists suspect that the cause of this disorder could be genetic, or that nutritional and environmental factors could also play a role.
 
(Click Causes of Spina Bifida for more information about the causes of spina bifida.)
 

Symptoms of Spina Bifida Occulta

People with spina bifida occulta usually have no outward symptoms. However, in some cases, an abnormal tuft, a clump of hair, a small dimple, or a birthmark may appear on the skin at the site of the spinal malformation.
 
(Click Symptoms of Spina Bifida for more information about the symptoms of this disorder.)
 

Diagnosing Spina Bifida Occulta

Spina bifida occulta is usually diagnosed when it is seen by an x-ray during a routine examination. However, some cases of spina bifida occulta may never be detected.
 
(Click Spina Bifida Diagnosis for more information about the diagnosis of this disorder.)
 

Treatment for Spina Bifida Occulta

In most cases, people with spina bifida occulta do not need treatment.
 
(Click Treatment of Spina Bifida for more information about the treatment of this disorder.)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD