spina bifida
TRANSCRIPT
JESSICA ESTEPLISA BURDUE
CARLY AMATISTO
Spina Bifida
What is Spina Bifida
Myelodysplasia (spina bifida) is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth.
Myelomeningocele may affect as many as 1 out of every 800 infants.
Types of Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida cases include : Spina bifida occulta, a
condition in which the bones of the spine do not close but the spinal cord and meninges remain in place and skin usually covers the defect
Meningoceles, a condition where the tissue covering the spinal cord sticks out of the spinal defect but the spinal cord remains in place.
A Closer Look
Spina bifida refers to any birth defect involving incomplete closure of the spine.
Myelomeningocele is the most common type of spina bifida.
It is a neural tube defect in which the bones of the spine do not completely form, resulting in an incomplete spinal canal.
This causes the spinal cord and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord) to stick out of the child's back.
Symptoms
A newborn may have a sac sticking out of the mid to lower back. The doctor cannot see through the sac when shining a light behind it. Symptoms include:
Loss of bladder or bowel controlPartial or complete lack of sensationPartial or complete paralysis of the legsWeakness of the hips, legs, or feet of a newbornOther symptoms may include:Abnormal feet or legs, such as clubfootBuild up of fluid inside the skull (hydrocephalus)Hair at the back part of the pelvis called the sacral areaDimpling of the sacral areaPossible medications
EXPLAINS HYDROCEPHALUS
Dr. Puppet
Hydrocephalus
“water on the brain”80% - 90% of children with spina bifida will
also develop hydrocephalus
What is Hydrocephalus?
Excess cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the brain which causes the brain tissue to swell
As the brain swells it presses against the skull, and causes pressure on the brain tissue
If untreated, this can cause seizures, vomiting, irritability, sleepiness and brain damage
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce or prevent brain damage by improving the flow of CFS
A shunt system is placed in the brain in order to drain excess CFS
The shunt tubing travels to another part of the body, such as the abdomen, where the extra CSF can be absorbed
And Now… I Shall Demonstrate
Any volunteers?
Test & Diagnosis
Prenatal screening can help diagnose this condition. During the second trimester, pregnant women can have a blood test called the quadruple screen.
Most women carrying a baby with spina bifida will have higher-than-normal levels of a protein called maternal alpha fetoprotein (AFP).
Prognosis
Myelomeningocele can usually be surgically corrected. With treatment, length of life is not severely affected. Neurological damage is often irreversible.
Many individuals with spina bifida primarily use a wheelchair.
Life long issues include:more loss of function as well as orthopedic problems
such as scoliosisfoot or ankle deformitiesdislocated hips joint tightness or contracturesInfections within the shunt system
Prevention
Folic acid supplements may help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as myelomeningocele. It is recommended that any woman considering becoming pregnant take 0.4 mg of folic acid a day. Pregnant women need 1 mg per day.
It is important to remember that folic acid deficiencies must be corrected before becoming pregnant as the defects develop very early.
Prospective mothers may be screened to determine the amount of folic acid in their blood.
Complications
Difficult delivery with problems resulting from a traumatic birth, including cerebral palsy and decreased oxygen to the brain
Frequent urinary tract infections
HydrocephalusLoss of bowel or bladder controlMeningitisPermanent weakness or
paralysis of legs
Treatment
Genetic counseling may be recommended. Surgery to repair the defect is usually
recommended at an early age. Children who also have hydrocephalus may
need a ventricular peritoneal shunt placed. This will help drain the extra fluid.
Treatments Continued
Most children will require lifelong treatment for problems that result from damage to the spinal cord and spinal nerves. This includes:
CathetersBracesHigh fiber dietAntibiotics may be used to treat or prevent
infections such as meningitis or urinary tract infections.
Implications for Recreation
Many individuals with Spina Bifida are allergic to latex. Be aware of…
Swimming capsBalloonsRubber ballsFood allergies:
bananas, kiwis, avocados and chestnuts
Recreation Ideas
PuppetsAdaptive bowlingSwimmingCanoeingHorseback ridingWheelchair basketball
Support Groups
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/~Rowley/sb-kids/index.html A resource for families and providers
Spina Bifida Association- Regional and National
http://spina-bifida-bibliography.blogspot.com http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Main/:
Shriners Children Hospital
References
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Myelomeningocele
http://www.medicinenet.com/spina_bifida_and_anencephaly/index.htm
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/~Rowley/sb-kids/index.html