Spina Bifida

Question 1

what is spina bifida?

Answer 1

defect or absence of vertebral arches due to failure of mesoderm to organise allowing protrusion of spinal cord and/or meninges through the vertebral column

Question 2

what is the most severe type of spina bifida?

Answer 2

myelomenigocele
spinal cord and meninges protrude out of the vertebral column and are only covered by a layer of skin
- in severe cases there can be no skin and spinal cord is exposed (“open spina bifida”)

Question 3

how might open spina bifida present?

Answer 3

visible spinal cord
loss o sensation
paralysis
bladder and bowel dysfunction
lower limb and foot deformities
seizures

Question 4

myelomeningocele is associated with that malformation?

Answer 4

Arnold chiarii II malformation
where cerebellum and brainstem tissue slip down through foramen magnum
- can cause hydrocephalus

Question 5

what is the least common spina bifida?

Answer 5

meningocele

• where only the meninges protrudes out of vertebral column
• usually no severe symptoms

Question 6

what is the most common and mild form of spina bifida and how does it present?

Answer 6

spina bifida occulta

• nothing really protrudes, only a very mild deformity
• no real symptoms, often only picked up on in later life
• can have tuft of hair, dimple or birthmark at site of deformity

Question 7

a deficiency in what can increase risk of spina bifida?

Answer 7

folate

- therefore mothers take folic acid during pregnancy

Question 8

when does spina bifida deformity usually occur?

Answer 8

week 4