spina bifida Flashcards
what is spina bifida
a type of neural tube defect that occurs when one or more vertebrae fail to fuse at approx 28 days gestation, leaving the spinal cord unprotected in utero
prevalance of spina bifida
0.4-0.9 per 1,000 babies (less than CP)
higher prevalance in hispanics and caucasians compared to african americans and asians
90-95% have no family history
open spinal dysraphism (OSD)
meninges and/or nerve tissue are exposed to the external environment. most prevalant
closed spinal dysraphism (CSD)
meninges and nerve tissue are covered by skin. mildest form of the condition
prenatal diagnosis at 13-15 weeks
blood lab - alpha fetoprotein (AFP), 80% reliable
prenatal diagnosis 16 - 18 weeks
amniocentessis -100%
prenatal diagnosis 16-24 weeks
fetal ultrasound >90% reliable
most common location
L5-S1
complexity
Complications can range from minor to severe
physical and mental disabilities.
Impact determined by:
* Size/Location of malformation
* Open vs closed
* Which spinal nerves are involved
The higher the malformation occurs on the
back, the greater the amount of nerve
damage and loss of muscle function and
sensation.
causes
genetic
environmental
nutritional
folic acid relationship
(vitamin b9) when taken by the mother prenatally reduces the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%
FDA/CDC recommendation
all women of childbearing age ingest 0.4 mg (400 µg)
of folic acid every day. Dietary sources include dark leafy greens, whole grains, and
legumes.
NM, sensory and motor deficits
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of muscle strength
and control - Loss of bowel/bladder
control - Muscle contractures
skeletal impairments
Foot abnormalities (eg,
club foot)
* Shorter legs
* Decreased bone density
* Scoliosis
* Hip subluxation and
dislocation
other possible complications
Hydrocephalus
* Arnold Chiari
Malformation
* Seizures
* Cognitive impairments
* Tethered Cord
* Bowel/bladder
complications
* Latex allergy (73%)
hydrocephalus
Caused by a disturbance of formation, flow or absorption
of cerebrospinal fluid.
Approximately 25% at birth, which increases up to 90%
who will require a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt.
hydrocephalus signs and symptoms
headache
nausea
lethargy
vision problems
hoarse cry
swallow issues
changes in speech
seizures
arnold-chiari malformation type 2
portion of the brain stem descends into the cervical spine