Week 4 - Paeds Spina Bifida and Muscular Dystrophy Flashcards
What is spina bifida?
A condition that results from a neural tube defect, where the vertebra that cover the spinal cord have one or more openings in the middle, allowing exposure and protrusion of nervous tissues and coverings, with varying levels of damage to the nerves.
How does the neural tube develop?
In the 3rd week, the embryonic dorsal ectoderm thickens on the lateral edges and grows toward each other, fusing along the midline. It is formed by the 4th week.
What is a neural tube defect?
Neural tube defects are major congenital anomalies that result from very early disruption in development of the brain and spinal cord
What are the 3 forms of neural tube defect?
Anencephaly
Encephalocele
Spina Bifida
What is ancencephaly?
a severe congenital condition in which a large part of the skull is absent along with the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Incompatible with life.
What is encephalocele?
a sac-like protrusion or projection of the brain and the membranes that cover it through an opening in the skull. Encephalocele happens when the neural tube does not close completely during pregnancy
What are the 4 factors affecting the prognosis of neural tube defects?
The site
The extent of the defect
The type of nerve cells involved
The extent of secondary abnormalities
True or false; babies with Spina Bifida survive unless the condition is severe?
True
What determines the level of impairment in Spina Bifida?
The site and extent of brain tissue involved
What does spina bifida mean?
Split or divided spine
True or false; Spina Bifida can occur anywhere along the spine?
True
When does Spina Bifida occur?
When part of the vertebra does not completely join which results in the exposure of a part of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
True or false; Spina bifida refers to a group of defects that do not interfere with the development of the CNS?
False. Spina bifida defects DO interfere with the development of the CNS.
What are the 3 types of spina bifida?
- Spina Bifida Occulta
- Meningocele
- Myelomeningocele
Which type of spina bifida is the most common?
Spina bifida occulta
Which type of spina bifida is the rarest?
Meningocele
Which type of spina bifida is the rarest?
Myelomeningocele
Which 2 types of spina bifida and a type of Spina Bifida Cystica?
Meningocele and myelomeningocele
What is Spina Bifida Occulta?
A malformation of one or more vertebrae, with the skin intact. It is sometimes called “closed” spina bifida and is not associated with any symptoms.
What is Meningocele?
A protrusion of spinal fluid and the meninges through a gap in the spine due to a congenital defect with malformed vertebrae.
What is Myelomeningocele?
Malformed vertebrae where sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged.
What are the ectodermal abnormalities associated with spina bifida occulta?
A dermal pit
A depression with a tuft of hair
A fatty swelling
What percentage of the population have Spina Bifida Occulta?
10-20%
Is the spinal cord involved in Meningocele SB?
No, no spinal cord involvement
What are the symptoms of Meningocele SB?
A broad range, however often causes very few symptoms.
Where does Meningocele SB occur?
Anywhere along the length of the spine
How is Meningocele SB treated?
Surgery to correct it
Which form of Spina Bifida is the most frequently treated by OT?
Myelomeningocele
What impairment is Myelomeningocele asociarted with?
Motor and sensory impairment
Where can Myelomeningocele occur?
Anywhere along the spine
What determines the severity of symptoms of Myelomeningocele?
The size and level of the lesion
What other conditions is Myelomeningocele associated with?
Hydrocephalus and Chiari II malformation.
What is hydrocephalus?
A build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain causing them to expand and push against brain tissue.