Which statement is NOT listed as a cranial nerve impairment in spina bifida?

• A. Hearing loss
• B. Ocular muscle palsies
• C. Swallowing difficulty
• D. Croupy/hoarse cry

Answer: (A)

Cranial nerve issues in spina bifida typically stem from Chiari II malformation, where brainstem compression affects nerves that control eye movements and basic swallowing/voice functions. This pattern often shows up as ocular muscle palsies, and difficulties with swallowing or voice changes such as a hoarse cry due to involvement of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Hearing loss, on the other hand, would involve the vestibulocochlear nerve or the auditory pathway, and isn’t usually listed as a cranial nerve impairment associated with spina bifida. So the statement about hearing loss isn’t part of the common cranial nerve impairment pattern for spina bifida, while the other options reflect dysfunctions that align with brainstem involvement.