Spina Bifida

Question 1

Spina Bifida

Answer 1

Failure of the spinal column’s vertebral arches to fully form to enclose and to protect the neural tube
Lesions usually occur in the thoracic or lumbar spine

Question 2

Spina bifida occulta

Answer 2

bony malformation with separation of vertebral arches of one or more vertebrae with no external manifestations

usually does not result in symptoms

Question 3

occulta spinal dysraphism (OSD)

Answer 3

red birth mark, parch of hair, opening in skin, fatty benign tumor, or dimple over the site

neurological damage and developmental abnormalities

Question 4

spina bifida cystica

Answer 4

exposed pouch comprised of the spinal cord and meninges

Question 5

tethered cord syndrome

Answer 5

hairy patch of skin
difficulties with bowel and bladder control, gait disturbances, and/or deformities of the feet, low back pain, scoliosis, may result