Conditions 2 Test 3 - Spina Bfida

Spina Bfida

defects in the vertebral arches and spinal column

one of three neural tube defects - malformations of the CNS occurring in the 1st 4 wks of gestation

anencephaly

absence of growth of cerebral hemispheres

encephalocele

brain protrusion in occipital region causing motor deficits, seizures, hydrocephaly, and mental retardation

Occulta

hidden spina bfida

small defect in vertebral bones covered with skin

cord and nerves intact

no disability

closed neural tube defects

malformation of fat, bones, or membranes

few or no symptoms

sometimes incomplete paralysis with urinary/bowel dysfunction

meningocele

the meninges protrude through the spinal opening

may/may not be covered with skin

no nerve damage

minor disability

myelomeningocele

the meninges and nerves protrude causing nerve damage and severe disability

partial or complete paralysis

Early detection Tests

AFP screening on the 16th -18th wk

ultrasound/sonogram

maternal amniocentesis

medical management

neurological and orthopedic surgery - to repair open lesions in utero or within 24 hrs of birth, implant shunt for hydrocephalus

urologic care

rediographic imaging

orthotic/mobility

nutritional counseling

Precautions

contractures

joint protection

pressure sores/skin breakdowns

seizures

latex sensitivity/allergy

shunt malfunction/infection

signs of latex sensitivity/allergy

itchy, watery eyes, runny nose

sneezing and coughing

rash or hives

swelling of trachea

wheezing or shortness of breath

anaphylaxis

75% of children and youth with spins bfida have a problem with latex

items to avoid for latex allergy/sensitivity

medical

• gloves

• catheters

• bandages/bandaids

• adhesive tape

other

• balloons

• pacifiers

• rubber bands

• Koosh balls

• stretchy clothes

• bottle nipples

• diapers

• condoms

Spina Bfida symptoms

sensor and motor deficit below the lesion

• walking and mobility issues

• muscle weakness, paralysis, or contractures

• abnormal sensation

hydrocephalus

cognitive impairments - learning disabilities to intellectual disabilities

sensory processing and bowel dysfunction

orthopedic conditions: club foot, scoliosis, hypnosis, joint abnormalities due to overuse or muscle imbalance

hydrocephalus

excessive accumulation of CSF in thee brain resulting in an abnormal widening of ventricles in the brain which creates potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain

congenital hydrocehapus

present at birth

acquired hydrocephalus

developers at the time of birth or at some point afterwards

communicating

CSF is blocked after it exits the ventricles

non communicating

the flow of CSF is blocked along one or more of the narrow passages

hydrocephalus symptoms

an unusually large head size

vomiting

sleepiness

irritability

downward deviation of the eyes (sunsetting)

seizures

hydrocephalus treatment

shunt implant third ventriculostomy

hydrocephalus ex-vacuo

occurs when stroke or traumatic injury cause damage to the brain

brain tissue may shrink

normal pressure hydrocephalus

can happen to people at any age

most common among elderly

may result from a subarachnoid hemorrhage, head trauma, infection, tumor, or complications of surgery or unknown reasons

signs of shunt malfunction

headache

nausea, vomiting

seizures

loss of continence

behavioral/cognitive changes

gagging or difficulty swallowing

blurred or double vision

setting sun eyes

increased head size

progressive decline of motor function

signs of shunt infection

fever

neck stiffness

pain and tenderness

skin redness

abdominal pain

drainage from shunt tract