Neural Tube Defects

Question 1

What are the 2 most common neural tube defects?

Answer 1

Spina Bifida
Anencephaly

Question 2

What is spina bifida a result of?

Answer 2

Non fusion of the vertebral arches during embryonic development
–Failure of closure of the neural tube

Question 3

What is spina bifida characterised by?

Answer 3

Incomplete development of the spinal column, resulting in herniation of the spinal cord.

Question 4

Which form of neural tube defect is compatible with life and which is not?

Answer 4

Spina bifida is compatible
Anencephaly is not

Question 5

What can be given to reduce the risk of neural tube defects?

Answer 5

Folic acid 400mg prior to conception until 12 weeks

Question 6

When is folic acid given up until?

Answer 6

12 weeks gestation

Question 7

What are the 3 different forms of spina bifida?

Answer 7

Spina bifida occulta
Meningocele
Myelomeningocele

Question 8

How can spina bifida occulta be visible?

Answer 8

May be visible only as a small tuft of hair overlying the site

Question 9

How is spina bifida usually diagnosed?

Answer 9

20 week anomaly US scan

Question 10

What is the most common type of spina bifida?

Answer 10

spina bifida occulta

Question 11

What is spina bifida occulta?

Answer 11

Incomplete fusion of the vertebrae, but with no herniation of the spinal cord

Question 12

What are the mian presenting features of spina bifida?

Answer 12

Motor deficits
Sensory deficits
Neurogenic bladder or bowel
Hydrocephalus
Seizures
Scoliosis