Which of the following is listed as a cranial nerve impairment seen in spina bifida?

• A. Ocular muscle palsies
• B. Hearing loss
• C. Limb weakness
• D. Hearing impairment and speech difficulties

Answer: (A)

In spina bifida, brainstem involvement from Chiari II malformation can affect the cranial nerves that control eye movement. This disruption leads to ocular muscle palsies, making eye-movement problems a recognizable cranial nerve impairment in this condition. The nerves involved (primarily those that move the eyes) are susceptible when brainstem structures are distorted, which is why this option best fits the question.

Limb weakness comes from spinal cord or motor pathway involvement rather than cranial nerves. Hearing loss or hearing impairment with speech difficulties involve cranial nerves, but they are not the classic cranial nerve impairment most commonly described in spina bifida, whereas ocular motor issues are.