Occult spina bifida

[GingerLox]

Have any of you that suffer from multiple spontaneous spinal csf leaks ever been evaluated for a mild, hidden form of spina bifida? It has crossed my mind that if there is a tethered spinal cord, in which the spinal cord is stretched beyond its capacity, that there may be a tendency for weakened dura.

Just something to think about.

GingerLox:confused:

[guineapig]

any part of spina bifida described as being a connective tissue disorder?

[dagaz]

My daughter has a hidden form of spina bifida but it is a mennigicelle (sp)? She also has tethered cord syndrome. The only time spina bifida causes csf leaks is when the spinal cord is exposed and the dura is open or after a surgery just like any cerebral surgery or spinal surgery and or lumbar puncture.

My daughter has had 3 de-tethering surgeries and thank God no leak...

Actually the name is spina bifida occulta. Sorry I don't mean to correct you it just helps if you are looking up more information.

[GingerLox]

Dear Dagaz.................

Wow, I am sorry for all that you have gone through and then to add your daughter's health into the mix. You must be incredibly strong.

My thought regarding this post was to perhaps throw another potential possibility out there that could be questioned. There is no medical basis for bringing this subject to the forefront. I thought perhaps if the dura is overstretched it might have the potential to be easily damaged.

I have a cyst-like swelling at the base of my spine with a deep divet right above it. Spina bifida occulta was a possibility. I had never even heard of it prior. Apparently it is alot more common than people know. Most people that have it never even know they have it............but some people start having neurological problems based on it. I thought since it involves the spinal column/dura, it might warrant some thought regarding leaks.

Best wishes to your daughter and yourself!
GingerLox

[dagaz]

Ok, I thought I would tell you the dimple is a sign of spina bifida! Do you also have a hairy patch at the base of your spine where the dimple is? Get it checked out ASAP!!!!!!

You may also be tethered you will need an MRI to diagnose this. My daughter had a tether between her shoulder blades!!! I didn't know it could tether that high. E-mail me if you want more info

consasia@telus.net