Spina Bifida Flashcards

1
Q

what is spina bifida?

A

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

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2
Q

what is the most severe type of spina bifida?

A

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”)

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3
Q

how might open spina bifida present?

A
visible spinal cord
loss o sensation
paralysis
bladder and bowel dysfunction
lower limb and foot deformities
seizures
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4
Q

myelomeningocele is associated with that malformation?

A

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

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5
Q

what is the least common spina bifida?

A

meningocele

  • where only the meninges protrudes out of vertebral column
  • usually no severe symptoms
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6
Q

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

A

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
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7
Q

a deficiency in what can increase risk of spina bifida?

A

folate

- therefore mothers take folic acid during pregnancy

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8
Q

when does spina bifida deformity usually occur?

A

week 4

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