Spina Bifida / Hydrocephalus Flashcards
what is thought to cause myelomeningoceles
lack of folic acid
exposure to virus
radiation exposure
genetics
how is spina bifida diagnosed
in utero
- maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
- 16 to 18 weeks gestation
amniocentesis
imaging
s/s of myelomeningocele
weakness/paralysis
impaired sensation
neurogenic bladder
incontinence
hydrocephalus
learning/visual/cognitive impairments
what is a common secondary issue for patients with myelomeningocele
hydrocephalus
what is hydrocephalus
increase in CSF within skull that causes ventricular enlargement and accelerated head growth
types of hydrocephalus
acquired
conginetal
acquired hydrocephalus
typically due to a condition
- infection, neoplasm, hemorrhage
most common
congenital hydrocephalus
no apparent cause, just born with it
tests for hydrocephalus
MRI / CT
Lumbar Puncture (L3-5)
ICP measurement
infusion testing
cortical biopsy
s/s of hydrocephalus
abnormal head enlargement
chronic headaches
cognitive impairment
gait disturbance
bulging fontanelle
urinary incontinence
what is the primary intervention for hydrocephalus
shunt
what secondary disorder can be caused by hydrocephalus
arnold chiari malformation
s/s of hydrocephalus induced arnold chiari malformation
incontinence
posture/balance/gait impairments
loss of trunk/leg sensation
decreased UE/LE strength
considerations for prognosis of hydrocephalus
associated disorders
timeliness of diagnosis
success of treatment
what occurs if hydrocephalus is not treated
normal pressure hydrocephalus
incontinence, ataxia, cognitive impairments
“wet wobbly wacky”
what assistive devices are used in spina bifida populations
from most to least prevalent
- wheelchair/power chair
- braces
- walking aid (cane, walker)
explain ambulation ability for those with lumbar-level lesions
ambulate with appropriate orthoses and assistive devices
explain ambulation ability for those with higher-level lesions
wheelchair mobility typically
