IMG_7894.jpg
/EL10
Reading File
analyse_media
Finding Sources
Searching PubMed
"spina bifida occulta"
Searching the Web
spina bifida occulta hair tuft sacral dimple normal neurologic exam
Diagnosis: C. Spina bifida occulta
In simple terms, the back bones did not fully close during early development, but the spinal cord and nerves are usually covered by skin and often work normally.
The clue is the midline lower-back dimple with a tuft of hair, which can mark an underlying hidden spinal-development difference. A normal neurological exam fits this condition well. The NINDS overview of spina bifida describes spina bifida occulta as the mildest form and notes that a hair tuft or small dimple may be present.
Why not the others?
- Meningocele: a visible sac containing meninges protrudes through the spine.
- Myelomeningocele: a more serious open defect involving spinal cord/nerves, commonly causing neurological deficits.
- Sacral agenesis: partial or absent development of the sacrum, often with major lower-limb, bladder, or bowel problems.
A hair tuft or unusual dimple can sometimes prompt spinal ultrasound in infants or MRI in older patients to exclude related problems such as a tethered cord, especially if there are leg weakness, abnormal reflexes, walking changes, or bladder/bowel symptoms.
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.