Spina Bifida

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Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when there are problems with the spine, spinal cord, and surrounding nerves. It can cause a portion of the spinal cord and surrounding areas to form outside of the body. This issue can occur anywhere along the spine. A neural tube defect is spina bifida. In the United States, 7 out of every 10,000 live births are affected by neural tube defects. Spina bifida is caused by an incomplete neural tube closure during the first three weeks of pregnancy. The nerves, which are normally embedded in the spinal cord, develop outside of the spinal cord in a hernia sac and are unable to transmit impulses from the brain to extremities and organs below the lesion. Individuals with spina bifida have a distinct intelligence quotient profile, with superior language function compared to visuoperceptual function. Furthermore, a common complication of spina bifida is delayed social development, dependency in daily life, and low levels of participation. Neuropsychological research over the last 30 years has increased understanding of the cognitive consequences of spina bifida in language, perception, attention, memory, and executive functions. To improve the independence and well-being of people with spina bifida, it is necessary to review and compile relevant cognition research so that learning and rehabilitation methods can be adapted and improved for people with spina bifida. This scoping review identifies original articles and reviews published between 2000 and 2018 that describe the cognitive profiles and outcomes of spina bifida with and without hydrocephalus in children, adolescents, and adults.

Key points about spina bifida in children

  • Spina bifida is a birth defect known as a neural tube defect. It can cause a portion of the spinal cord and surrounding areas to form outside of the body.
  • Symptoms may include an abnormal area on the back. It could be a small hairy patch, dimple, or birthmark, or it could be a pouch-like bulge (sac).
  • You may require tests while pregnant to check for spina bifida in your developing baby.
  • If your child is born with spina bifida, your doctor may also recommend genetic counseling.
  • You can talk to a counselor about the possibility of a neural tube defect in a future pregnancy.
  • Your child may require surgery to fix the defect. The problems can be managed with surgery. However, it cannot restore normal muscle function or sensation.
  • Spina bifida is a permanent condition with no cure. Your child's healthcare providers will work to prevent or minimise deformities. They will also work with your child to help him or her maximise his or her abilities.


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A population-based study of children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus found that approximately 30% had average Intelligence Quotient (IQ) (>85), 40% had subaverage (IQ 70-84) and 30% had intellectual disabilities (IQ 70). The children's verbal abilities (verbal IQ) were significantly higher than their visuoperceptual (performance IQ) abilities, as measured by intelligence tests such as the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale Third Edition and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Third Edition III.

The majority of the studies included in this work demonstrated that cognitive disabilities have a significant impact on managing one's learning, gaining independence in personal care, and living and participating in society. These cognitive disabilities, particularly in the area of executive functioning, appear to have an even greater impact on daily life than motor disabilities. As a result, more emphasis should be placed in the future on developing interventions to assist individuals with spina bifida in coping with cognitive disabilities in order to improve their independence, self-efficacy, autonomy, and participation.

Reference:

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. (2019). Stanfordchildrens.org. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=spina-bifida-90-P02415#:~:text=Spina%20bifida%20occulta.&text=The%20spinal%20cord%20and%20surrounding,not%20have%20any%20visible%20marks.

‌Lindquist, B., Jacobsson, H., Strinnholm, M., & Peny-Dahlstrand, M. (2022). A scoping review of cognition in spina bifida and its consequences for activity and participation throughout life. 111(9), 1682–1694. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16420

Lindquist, B., Jacobsson, H., Strinnholm, M., & Peny-Dahlstrand, M. (2022). A scoping review of cognition in spina bifida and its consequences for activity and participation throughout life. 111(9), 1682–1694. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16420

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