Which of the following is a common symptom of spina bifida?

Spina bifida is a congenital condition that results from the incomplete closure of the spine and the surrounding tissue during early fetal development. Individuals with spina bifida can experience a variety of neurological impairments depending on the severity and location of the defect.

Flaccid paralysis is a common symptom associated with spina bifida, particularly when the condition affects the lower parts of the spinal cord. This type of paralysis is characterized by weakness and a lack of muscle tone in the affected areas, which occurs because of disrupted nerve signals to the muscles. As a result, there can be reduced or absent reflexes in the affected limbs, leading to difficulties in movement and coordination.

In contrast, increased reflexes and heightened muscle tone are generally not associated with spina bifida. Elevated muscle tone and abnormal reflexes can occur if there is damage to the upper motor neurons, but in spina bifida, the lower motor neurons are often impacted, resulting in flaccid paralysis.

Normal bowel function is also typically disrupted in individuals with spina bifida due to nerve involvement that affects bowel control. This can lead to challenges such as constipation or incontinence.

Therefore, flaccid paralysis effectively represents the neurological deficits associated with spina bifida, making it the