What is the Difference Between Spina Bifida Occulta and Spina Bifida Cystica?

Spina bifida is a congenital birth defect that affects the spine, and there are three main types of spina bifida: occulta, cystica, and myelomeningocele. The differences between spina bifida occulta and spina bifida cystica are as follows:

Spina Bifida Occulta:
Also known as hidden spina bifida, it is the mildest and most common type, affecting 10% to 20% of the population.
There is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back.
The spinal cord and nerves are usually normal, and many people with spina bifida occulta do not know they have it.
Symptoms are rare, but some people may experience muscle strength issues during adolescence after a growth spurt.
Occulta is often diagnosed later in childhood or adulthood, if at all.
Spina Bifida Cystica:
A more severe form of spina bifida, it includes spina bifida meningocele and myelomeningocele.
A visible cyst (fluid-filled sac) is present on the lower part of the baby's back.
The spinal cord is exposed, and there is a higher risk of infection.
Symptoms and complications are more likely, and treatment may include surgery.
Spina bifida cystica is diagnosed before or right after birth.

In summary, spina bifida occulta is a mild, hidden form of spina bifida with minimal symptoms, while spina bifida cystica is a more severe form characterized by a visible cyst on the back and higher risk of complications.

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What is the Difference Between Spina Bifida Occulta and Spina Bifida Cystica?

Comparative Table: Spina Bifida Occulta vs Spina Bifida Cystica

Spina Bifida Occulta and Spina Bifida Cystica are two different types of spina bifida, a birth defect in which the vertebral column is open (bifid), often with spinal cord involvement. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

Feature	Spina Bifida Occulta	Spina Bifida Cystica
Definition	The mildest type of spina bifida, sometimes called "hidden" spina bifida. It is characterized by a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back.	A more severe form of spina bifida, where a cyst forms and a meningocele (a cystic swelling of the dura and arachnoid) protrudes through the spina bifida defect in the vertebral arch.
Symptoms	The spinal cord and nerves are usually normal, and there is little or no nerve damage.	A person with a meningocele may have no neurologic sequelae, but the severity of the condition depends on the size and location of the opening in the spine and whether part of the spinal cord and nerves are affected.
Treatment	Often discovered late in childhood or adulthood, it usually causes minor disabilities.	Surgery may be required to address complications, such as a tethered cord, and the late complications of a tethered cord can have frequent and severe consequences.
Prevalence	Occulta is not included in the figure of 94% of spina bifida cases, which refers to myelomeningocele, a more severe form of spina bifida cystica.	Spina bifida cystica is less common than spina bifida occulta.

In summary, spina bifida occulta is a milder form of spina bifida with fewer symptoms and complications, while spina bifida cystica is a more severe form of the condition that may require surgical intervention and result in more significant disabilities.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.