Hidden spina bifida

Hidden spina bifida is a congenital malformation that develops in the baby in the first month of pregnancy and is characterized by incomplete closure of the spine. Usually it goes unnoticed, however, one of the symptoms is the growth of a tuft of hair on the child's back.

The spina bifida hidden in L5 or the spina bifida hidden in S1 are examples of the location in the spine where the spina bifida was formed. The diagnosis of occult spina bifida can be made through ultrasound performed during pregnancy and an analysis of amniotic fluid.

Pictures of hidden spina bifida

Generally, hidden spina bifida does not cause neurological problems in children, as there is no involvement of the spinal cord and meninges, which are the structures that protect it, so there is no need for any type of treatment for hidden spina bifida.

The causes of occult and cystic spina bifida, which is another type of spina bifida, are unknown, but they can arise due to insufficient folic acid intake or alcohol consumption during pregnancy, for example.

Diagnosis of hidden spina bifida

The diagnosis of hidden spina bifida can be made through ultrasounds performed during pregnancy and amniocentesis to assess the amount of alpha-fetoprotein in the amniotic fluid, which is very high in case of spina bifida.

However, her hidden spina bifida can also be diagnosed after the baby is born, by observing the growth of hair in the lumbar region, being confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. See the risks and precautions to take in: When to do MRI on the baby.

Symptoms of hidden spina bifida

Symptoms of hidden spina bifida include:

Formation of a spot on the skin of the back; Formation of a tuft of hair on the back; Slight depression in the back, like a grave; Slight volume due to the accumulation of fat.

However, in most cases, the hidden spina bifida goes unnoticed.