spina bifida

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