NACC PSW Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Pass with Confidence!

Bowel and bladder issues are commonly associated with spina bifida because the condition affects the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube does not close completely during fetal development, resulting in damage to the spine and spinal cord. This damage can alter nerve function, leading to problems with bowel and bladder control.

Individuals with spina bifida may experience a range of urinary issues—from incontinence to difficulties with urination—due to the involvement of nerves that control these functions. Similarly, bowel problems can include constipation, fecal incontinence, and difficulty in regulating bowel movements, all linked to the disruption of nerve pathways that are normally responsible for these functions.

While vision and hearing impairment, muscle weakness, and skin conditions can also occur in some individuals with spina bifida, they are not as directly linked to the anatomical and functional changes resulting from the condition as bowel and bladder issues are. This direct impact on the lower parts of the nervous system typically leads to the commonly reported bowel and bladder complications among those diagnosed with spina bifida.