Which long-term concern is associated with spina bifida occulta?

Which long-term concern is associated with spina bifida occulta?

• A. High rate of tethered cord
• B. Seizures
• C. Sudden onset paralysis in infancy
• D. No long-term issues

Answer: (A)

Spina bifida occulta is an occult spinal dysraphism where the vertebral arch fails to fuse, but the spinal cord and meninges usually remain in place. Many people have no symptoms, but as a child grows, the cord can become fixed or tethered in the spinal canal due to associated anomalies like thick filum terminale or local scar tissue. This tethering stretches the cord over time, leading to progressive problems such as back or leg pain, weakness or sensory changes, gait disturbances, scoliosis, and neurogenic bladder or bowel issues. These are the long-term concerns specific to occulta. Seizures or sudden infancy paralysis aren’t typical issues for occult spina bifida, and saying there are no long-term issues isn’t accurate given the risk of tethered cord developing over time.