Myelomeningocele / Spina Bifida Flashcards
Development of Nervous System
- neural plate
- neural tube
- brain and SC
Neural tube closure is completed by
day 26
defect in neural tube closure and overlying posterior vertebral arches
spina bifida
potential cause of spina bifida
genetic predisposition that may enhanced factors
Genetic RF for spina bifida
- celtic origin
2. family hx spina bifida
Spina bifida:
environmental factors
- lower socioeconomic status
2. folic acid and Vit A deficiency
Spina Bifida Prenatal testing
- AFP abnormaly high in amniotic fluid past 14 weeks gestational age
- compare w/ ultrasound results
Spinda Bifida:
Occulta
- failure of vertebral arches to meet and fuse in 3rd month
- overlying skin dimple, pigmentation, or patch of hair
- lumbosacral area common site
- usually non neuro or msk dysfunction
- higher incidence of urinary tract disorder
Spinda Bifida:
Cystica
Failure of neural tube and vertebral arches to close w/cystic protrusion of meninges with or w/out spinal cord
A. Meningocele
B. Myelomeningocele
Meningocele
- spinal cord remains in vertebral canal but may be abnormal
- lipomeninggocele
Lipomeninggocele
superficial fatty mass in lower lumbar/sacral area. high incidence of B&B dysfunction, tethered cord
Myelomeningocele
- extensive SC abnormalities
- most common in thoracic and lumbosacral regions
- anencephaly
Anencephaly
cranial end of neural tube doesn’t fuse
Myelomeningocele: Clinical manifestation (9)
- loss of sensory/motor function
- orthopedic abnormalities
- hydrocephalus
- brain/SC abnormalities
- B&B dysfunction
- Cognitive impairment/Learning issues
- Integumentary impairment
- disturbed growth and development
- psychosocial issues
Myelomeningocele:
Orthopedic abnormalities due to…
lack of sensorimotor function in utero or lack of movement.
Myelomeningocele:
Loss of sensory and motor function dependent on:
- degree of SC abnormality
- Traction or stretch on SC
- Trauma to exposed neural tissue during delivery
- Postnatal damage resulting from dying/infection of neural plate
Myelomeningocele:
Sensory Impairment
- Sensation below level of lesion impaired may not exactly match level (incomplete lesion)
- includes kinesthetic, proprioceptive, somatosensory
Myelomeningocele:
2 main types of motor dysfunction
- complete loss of function below level of lesion
2. Mixture of flaccidity and spasticity
Myelomeningocele:
Orthopedic problems
- deformity
- contractures
- osteoporosis
Myelomeningocele:
deformity and contractures due to:
- muscle imbalance
- stress
- posture
- gravity
- congenital
- decreased sensation
- neuro complications
Myelomeningocele:
typical congenital malformations
- hemivertebrae
- deformed vertebral bodies/ribs
- missing ribs
- lumbar kyphosis
- club feet
- rocker bottom feet
Myelomeningocele:
Osteoporosis
secondary to lack of WB
Myelomeningocele:
Hydrocephalus
- present in 80-90% of cases
- blockage of normal CSF flow
Hydrocephalus signs
- increased head size
- bulging fontanelles
- irritability
- lethargic
- sunset eyes
Hydrocephalus interventions
- Ventroatrial shunt
2. Ventroperitoneal shunt