Spina Defida Flashcards
What does Spina Bifida literally mean?
Split spine.
What type of defect is Spina Bifida?
Neural tube defect.
When does Spina Bifida occur during pregnancy?
In the first month.
What are the three distinct types of Spina Bifida?
- Myelomeningocele
- Meningocele
- Occulta
What is the most severe form of Spina Bifida?
Myelomeningocele.
What happens in Myelomeningocele?
Meninges and spinal nerves come through the open part of the spine.
What is a common treatment for Myelomeningocele?
Urgent surgery.
What can be affected below the nerve damage in Myelomeningocele?
Development of muscles and limbs.
What is the second most severe form of Spina Bifida?
Meningocele.
In Meningocele, what comes through the open part of the spine?
Protective coatings (meninges) in a sac.
What is a key characteristic of Meningocele?
The spinal cord is left intact.
What is Spina Bifida Occulta often referred to as?
Hidden Spina Bifida.
What is typically normal in Spina Bifida Occulta?
The spinal cord and nerves.
What is a common outcome for individuals with Spina Bifida?
They grow up to live independent lives.
What percentage of individuals with Myelomeningocele and Meningocele develop hydrocephalus?
70-90%.
What is hydrocephalus?
Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in and around the brain.
What can happen if cerebrospinal fluid cannot drain independently?
It collects in and around the brain.
What are some possible effects of high fluid pressures on the brain?
- Impaired vision
- Hearing loss
- Mobility issues
- Coordination problems
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Hormonal imbalance
- Learning disabilities
What is the common treatment for hydrocephalus?
Surgically implanting a shunt.
Where does the shunt drain excess cerebrospinal fluid?
From the brain to either the stomach or heart.
What is hydrocephalus?
A condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles.
What are common signs of a blocked shunt in individuals with hydrocephalus?
Signs include:
* Nausea
* Projectile vomiting
* Unexplained pupil dilation
* Seizures
* Headaches
* Drowsiness
What is the cause of spina bifida?
The cause is largely unknown but believed to involve genetic and environmental factors.
What role does folic acid play in preventing spina bifida?
A deficiency in folic acid in a mother’s diet, combined with genetic factors, appears to increase the risk of spina bifida.
What is the recommended daily supplementation for women of childbearing age to minimize spina bifida risk?
Folic acid supplements.
What is the incidence of spina bifida in Canada?
Approximately 1 in every 2500 live births.
What factors may contribute to the worldwide decline in spina bifida cases over the past three decades?
Better diet is hypothesized to be a contributing factor.
What difficulties can individuals with myelomeningocele face?
Difficulties may include:
* Walking and mobility
* Bowel and bladder control
* Obesity
* Skin breakdown
* Gastrointestinal disorders
* Learning disabilities
* Depression
* Tendonitis
* Sexual issues
What allergy is common among individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus?
Allergy to natural latex.
What immediate medical intervention is needed for individuals with spina bifida?
Surgery to close the protruding sac.
What is the purpose of placing a shunt in individuals with spina bifida?
To manage hydrocephalus by draining excess cerebrospinal fluid.
What additional needs do people with spina bifida typically have?
Needs include:
* Learning to catheterize
* Learning to disimpact
* Access to early intervention programs
* Family counseling
* Various therapies
True or False: Individuals with spina bifida can function well in school despite potential learning disabilities.
True.
Fill in the blank: Individuals with spina bifida will often need to learn to _______ to empty the bladder.
catheterize
Fill in the blank: Individuals with spina bifida may experience _______ due to hydrocephalus.
learning disabilities
