Hole at base of spine

[Diamam]

My great grandson was born with a hole at the base of his spine.  It does not go any further than the just below the surface.
Can you explain this to me.
Diamam

[Entice29]

*numbing in his arm

[Entice29]

My friend jus had a mri & a emg a couple of days ago n dey told him dat he had a hole n his spine near the neck. Dey asked if he ever had a injury n he said no n dat he has always been healthy. The Dr is puzzled. Could dis b spinalbifia if so how could dey go 30 yrs w/o catching it? He gets numbing in his hr from time to time. The recent bad headaches is wat sent him to the Dr.'s. I don't think its spine stenosis. Any info is greatly appreciated, thank-you.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
What your grandson has is spina bifida. It is a birth defect associated with improper closing of the spine or neural tube. The mildest form presents with something of a birthmark, and causes no symptoms in life. The more severe ones, can cause neurological symptoms, hydrocephalus, delayed mile stones, and low IQ. Treatment is by surgical closure of the hole, placing shunts if there is hydrocephalus, and may even involve physiotherapy and mental exercises depending on the symptoms.
Do discuss this with a pediatric neurosurgeon. Take care!