What Kind of Complications Can Spina Bifida Cause?

^{Reviewed by: My Child Without Limits Advisory Committee November 2009}

Complications caused by spina bifida can range from minor physical problems to severe physical and mental disabilities. However, most people with spina bifida have normal intelligence.

How severe the complications are depend on the size and location of the malformation, whether or not skin covers it, whether or not spinal nerves are exposed, and which spinal nerves are involved. Most of the time, all the nerves that are located below the malformation are affected. This means that the higher the malformation is on the child's back, the greater the amount of nerve damage and loss of muscle function and sensation.

In addition to loss of feeling and paralysis, another complication associated with spina bifida is Chiari II malformation -- a rare condition (but common in children with myelomeningocele) in which the brainstem and the cerebellum, or rear portion of the brain, push downward into the spinal canal or neck area. This condition can lead to squeezing of the spinal cord and cause a variety of symptoms including difficulties with eating, swallowing, and breathing; choking; and arm stiffness.

Chiari II malformation may also cause a condition called Hydrocephalus. This means there is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. (Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord). The buildup of fluid puts damaging pressure on the brain. Hydrocephalus is commonly treated by surgically implanting a shunt -- a hollow tube -- in the brain to drain the excess fluid into the abdomen.
Some newborns with myelomeningocele may develop meningitis, an infection in the meninges. Meningitis may cause brain injury and can be life-threatening.

Children with both myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus may have learning disabilities, such as difficulty paying attention, problems with language and reading, and trouble learning math.

Additional problems such as latex allergies, skin problems, digestive conditions, and depression may occur as children with spina bifida get older.

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How Is Spina Bifida Treated?

Download the Introduction to Spina Bifida.