> Fun ways to get fit

> Training for success

> Smokers get their way

> SA tests HIV concoction

> Stem cell awareness

> Safeguard your heart

> Saying sorry works

> Time to detox...

> Smoke-free cigarettes

> Swine flu not mutating

Today, 22 November 2009

› SACP attacks Malema

› Meteor 'flash' in Gauteng

› Govt settles with Pikoli

› Malema attack 'racist'

› Will cops play brokers?

Yesterday, 21 November 2009

› SACP attacks Malema

› Match-fixing stuns Europe

› JZ hails Miss World effect

› Henry offers replay

› No armchair ride for Boks

Question

Please can I have some information on spina bifida occulta, including whether or not this is a hereditary condition and its relationship to any other neurological condition.

Answer

Full spina bifida is what is known as a neural tube defect. That is there is a defect in the development of the spine resulting in disablity of varying degrees. This condition definitely has a hereditary component.

However, spina bifida occulta is not regarded as a neural tube defect. There are generally no abnormal findings associated with spina bifida occulta, and no subsequent problems or relationship to other neurological problems.

MORE NEUROLOGY Q&A'S
[an error occurred while processing this directive]