spina

Spina Bifida

A birth defect caused by a failure in the closure of the neural tube, resulting in protrusion of the spinal cord or meninges.

Neural Tube Defects

A group of birth defects that affect the spine and brain, of which spina bifida is a part.

Spina Bifida Occulta

A form of spina bifida that occurs without soft tissue involvement, characterized by a bony defect.

Meningocele

A type of spina bifida where part of the spinal meninges protrudes through a bony defect, forming a cystic sac.

Myelomeningocele

A severe type of spina bifida involving protrusion of the spinal cord and nerves through an opening in the spine.

Neuroectoderm

Embryonic tissue that thickens to form the neural plate during prenatal development.

Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)

A protein produced by the fetus, elevated levels in maternal serum and amniotic fluid can indicate CNS abnormalities.

Prenatal Surgery

A surgical procedure performed before the 26th week of pregnancy to correct spina bifida defects.

Teratogenic Process

An abnormal process that leads to malformation or defect during embryonic development.

Cognitive Symptoms

Problems in brain development affecting cognitive functions potentially due to neural tube defects.

Arnold-Chiari Malformation

A brain disorder where the cerebellum is displaced, potentially affecting coordination and language processing.

Obesity

A condition where a person's BMI is 30 or above, associated with higher risks of giving birth to babies with spina bifida.

Folic Acid

A vitamin that helps reduce the incidence of neural tube defects when consumed prior to and during pregnancy.

Cesarean Birth

A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the abdomen and uterus, often necessary for babies in breech position.

Physical Examination

An assessment method used to observe movement and neurological responses in newborns, crucial for diagnosing conditions.

Neuromuscular Impairment

A condition where muscles and nerves are affected, which can result from defects in the spine like spina bifida.

Risk for Infection

A nursing diagnosis indicating vulnerability due to defects in the protective barrier of the myelomeningocele.

Skin Integrity

The state of the skin’s health, which can be compromised in newborns with spina bifida due to exposure to waste.

Family Coping

The ability of the family to adapt and manage the emotional and practical aspects of caring for a child with spina bifida.

Prevent Contractures

Nursing interventions aimed at maintaining normal range of motion in limbs affected by spina bifida.

Surgical Management

The process of treating spina bifida with surgery to close defects, which may include prenatal and postnatal procedures.

Assessment Findings

Results from clinical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests that evaluate the presence of spina bifida.

Talipes Equinovarus

Commonly known as clubfoot, a condition associated with spina bifida where the foot is turned inward.

Support Systems

Resources available to families, such as emotional and practical support networks when caring for a child with spina bifida.

Emotional Response

The range of feelings families may experience, including grief and frustration, after learning of a newborn’s condition.

Aseptic Technique

Procedures followed to prevent infection when caring for a newborn with an open defect like myelomeningocele.

Prone Positioning

A recommended position for newborns with spina bifida to avoid pressure on the spinal defect.

Documentation Guidelines

Protocols for recording the patient’s condition, care, and progress in managing spina bifida.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique used to evaluate spinal abnormalities associated with spina bifida.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging method that provides cross-sectional images of the body, useful for diagnosing spina bifida.

Dorsal Fusion

The process during embryonic development where the neural tube closes, critical for preventing neural tube defects.

Neurological Impairment

A deficit in the nervous system function, which may be a consequence of spina bifida affecting the brain or spinal cord.

Cystic Sac

A fluid-filled sac that can form in conditions like meningocele, resulting from the protrusion of the meninges.

Lifetime Follow-Up Care

Ongoing healthcare management required for individuals with spina bifida to address evolving needs over time.

Neural Arch

The part of the vertebrae that, when defective, can lead to conditions like spina bifida.

Folic Acid Intake

The consumption of folate, crucial for reducing the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy.

Genetic Risk Factors

The increased likelihood of spina bifida in subsequent pregnancies if there is a history of the condition in the family.