Wk8 Spina Bifida

Question 1

What is occulata spina bifida?

Answer 1

• most common & least extreme

- small separation gap in one of more of the bones in the spine but most people dont know they have it

Question 2

What is myelomeningocele SB?

Answer 2

• open SB - the most severe type
• spinal cord is open along several vertebrae in lower of middle back - the membranes and spinal nerves push through this opening at birth forming a sac on the baby’s back
• child is prone to life-threatening injections/paralysis/bladder/bowel dysfunction

Question 3

What are closed neural tube defects?

Answer 3

Malformation of the fat, bone or membrane

Question 4

What is meningocele SB?

Answer 4

A sac producing from the spinal column - sac includes spinal fluid but does not contain neural tissue - line myelomeningocele, this has few symptoms

Question 5

What are risk factors of SB?

Answer 5

Folate deficiency
Family history of neural tube defects
Some medicine e.g. valproic acid (depakene) - they interfere with the bodys ability to use folic acid
Unmanaged diabetes
Obesity
Increased body temp in early weeks of pregnancy e.g. saunas or hot tubs

Question 6

Symptoms of SB

Answer 6

Weakness/total paralysis of legs
Bowel/urinary incontinence - muscles here are damaged - UTIs, hydronephrosis (kidneys become stretched and swollen)
Loss of skin sensation in legs and around bottom - child cannot feel hot or cold, which can lead to accidental injury
Hydrocephalus - build up of fluid on the brain
Scoliosis

Question 7

What can be identified in an ultrasound scan?

Answer 7

• use sound waves to create images of certain types of tissue - sound waves pass through soft tissue fluid creating a darker image and bounce back on denser tissues, appearing lighter (grey)
• ultrasounds cannot detect ulcers but can diagnose infections, cardiovascular issues, tumours/cysts, uterine fibroids and thyroid conditions
• can also be screened in maternal blood tests
• ultrasound can also detect degree of severity of SB

Question 8

What does an ultrasound scan show?

Answer 8

Darker images on soft tissues/fluid

Lighter images on dense tissues

Question 9

What are the risks for foetus, embryo and mother when mother is over 40 years old?

Answer 9

• high BP
• preeeclampsia
• gestational diabetes
• genetic abnormalities
• baby often premature
• maternal death
• c-section

Mother with seizures:
Pre-preg: change seizure tablets to avoid risk factors
Already preg: increase folic acid more than normal for pregnant women