Spina Bifida Occulta (SBO) is a mild form of spina bifida, often present from birth, where the spinal column does not fully close. Unlike more severe forms, SBO frequently remains undetected and typically causes no significant health issues or functional limitations.
Understanding Spina Bifida Occulta
Spina Bifida Occulta occurs when one or more vertebrae, the small bones forming the spine, do not completely fuse, leaving a small gap. The term “occulta” means “hidden,” reflecting that the spinal cord and nerves typically remain unaffected within the spinal canal. Many people with SBO are unaware they have it, often discovering it incidentally during imaging for unrelated reasons. While often without external signs, SBO can sometimes be indicated by subtle marks on the skin over the lower back, such as a small dimple, a patch of unusual hair growth, or a birthmark. These indicators rarely signify underlying problems.
When Spina Bifida Occulta Causes Symptoms
Although Spina Bifida Occulta is largely asymptomatic, it can occasionally be associated with underlying neurological conditions that lead to symptoms. The primary complication linked to SBO is tethered cord syndrome. In this condition, the spinal cord becomes abnormally attached to surrounding tissues within the spinal canal, limiting its normal movement. As a person grows, this attachment can cause the spinal cord to stretch, potentially leading to damage to the nerves.
Symptoms arising from tethered cord syndrome or other rare neurological involvements can vary in type and severity. Individuals might experience weakness or numbness in the legs, changes in gait, or difficulty with walking. Foot deformities, such as high arches or curled toes, can also develop. Bladder or bowel dysfunction, including issues like incontinence or frequent urinary tract infections, are also potential manifestations. Chronic back pain, particularly in the lower back, is another symptom that may occur when SBO is associated with these complications.
Determining Disability Status
Spina Bifida Occulta itself is generally not considered a disability because it typically does not cause functional limitations or significantly affect major life activities. However, if SBO is accompanied by symptomatic complications, such as tethered cord syndrome, and these complications result in significant and long-term functional impairments that limit major life activities, then the resulting condition may be classified as a disability.
Disability status is determined by the functional impact of a medical condition on an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, rather than solely by the diagnosis itself. Entities like the Social Security Administration in the U.S. assess disability based on criteria that often revolve around an individual’s inability to perform substantial gainful activity or significant limitations in daily living due to a medically determinable impairment. Functional limitations can include difficulties with mobility, self-care, or bladder and bowel control. Therefore, for SBO, it is the presence and severity of symptoms and their functional impact, not merely the SBO diagnosis, that could lead to a disability classification.