Spina Bifida [posted 8/7/98]
Question: My son was diagnosed with Spina Bifida when he was 7 years old. I was told that he is missing part of his vertebrae in the lumbar area, and that the spine is exposed in that area. The only physical symptoms he had were pain in his legs after running or walking a lot. He has never had bladder problems. My questions is, as a mother, do I need to protect him in any way from certain activities? He is now a teenager, and I am concerned about letting him play contact sports. He also wants to be a commercial pilot someday - will they not accept him if he has this condition? Our local doctor has not been very helpful about this.

Answer: Your son has spina bifida occulta. This is a mild form of the congenital problem which you correctly describe as incomplete closure of the spinal cord. He is somewhat at more risk of direct local trauma to the spinal cord, but it's probably minimal. There should be no limitations concerning other activities.

Spina Bifida
Question: What treatments are available and recommended for Spina Bifida (tethered spine) diagnosed in a 50 year old female?

Answer: The features of the disease depends on the level and severity of the lesion. Bowel and bladder sphincters may be affected. Orthopedic problems (e.g. club foot) are common and seizures can be seen. A multidisciplinary approach provides the best management of a patient with severe lesions.

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