Can spina bifida go undetected?

Can spina bifida go undetected?

In most cases, spina bifida is diagnosed before birth (prenatal). However, some mild cases may go unnoticed until after birth (postnatal). Very mild forms of spinal bifida are found when doing tests for other conditions or may never be detected.

Will spina bifida show on an ultrasound?

Fetal ultrasound is the most accurate method to diagnose spina bifida in your baby before delivery. Ultrasound can be performed during the first trimester (11 to 14 weeks) and second trimester (18 to 22 weeks). Spina bifida can be accurately diagnosed during the second trimester ultrasound scan.

Can spina bifida show up later in life?

Spina bifida can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. Spina bifida occulta might not be diagnosed until late childhood or adulthood, or might never be diagnosed.

Can spina bifida occulta cause problems later in life?

Many times, Spina Bifida Occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood. This type of spina bifida usually does not cause any disabilities. There are forms of Spina Bifida Occulta that do cause problems.

What is the rarest form of spina bifida?

In most cases, the spinal cord and the nerves themselves are normal or not severely affected. The sac is often covered by skin and may require surgery. This is the rarest type of spina bifida. Myelomeningocele accounts for about 75% of all spina bifida cases.

Can you fix spina bifida in the womb?

While there is no cure for spina bifida, repairing the spine in the womb can minimize the spinal defect. Prenatal surgery also lowers the risk for a shunt. For babies that have surgery after birth, 82 percent will require a shunt to be placed in the brain.

Can you walk if you have spina bifida?

Mobility and Physical Activity. People affected by spina bifida get around in different ways. These include walking without any aids or assistance; walking with braces, crutches or walkers; and using wheelchairs. People with spina bifida higher on the spine (near the head) might have paralyzed legs and use wheelchairs.