Allergies to latex (common rubber) are more common in people with spina bifida than the general population. Reactions may vary from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylactic shock (where you can’t breathe).

Care must be taken to avoid the use of rubber gloves and any other latex items, such as catheters and condoms. Most hospitals have a latex free operating theatre for procedures for allergic patients.

Through your spina bifida clinic, ask to have yourself tested for a latex allergy reaction so you know how badly affected you are.

Tethered spinal cord syndrome

See the special section on this important condition.

Hydrocephalus and the blocked shunt

Many people with spina bifida have excess fluid in the chambers of the brain (hydrocephalus) Most people with hydrocephalus have a drain tube inserted when they are babies. This tube is called a V-P shunt and drains excess fluid from the brain to the abdomen. V-P shunts often block and have to be replaced. A blocked V-P shunt is a medical emergency. If the V-P shunt is not replaced, you can go blind.

Symptoms of a blocked V-P shunt are:

• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of continence
• personality changes
• disorientation and memory loss
• blurred or double vision
• fits
• generally feeling unwell.

If you think you might have a blocked shunt, see your doctor urgently or go to your local hospital.

The treatment is to replace the shunt.