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Understanding Spina Bifida and Its Impact
Aug 27, 2024
Lecture Notes: Spina Bifida
Overview
Definition
: Spina bifida means "split spine" in Latin.
Description
: A birth defect where the spinal tissue fails to close completely, leaving an opening in the lower back.
Embryonic Development
Ectoderm Development
: Early fetal development creates a neural tube from the ectoderm.
Neural Tube Function
: Becomes the spinal cord, brain, and meninges.
Defect Formation
: Failure of the neural tube to close properly results in spina bifida.
Types of Spina Bifida
1. Myelomeningocele
Severity
: Most severe type.
Characteristics
: Spinal cord and meninges protrude through an opening in the vertebrae.
Symptoms
: Exposure can lead to infections, paralysis, loss of sensation, and deformities.
Associated Condition
: Often linked to Arnold Chiari II malformation and hydrocephalus.
2. Meningocele
Characteristics
: Only meninges slip through vertebrae gaps.
Symptoms
: Less severe, spinal cord not damaged.
Prevalence
: Least common form.
3. Spina Bifida Occulta
Severity
: Most common and mildest form.
Characteristics
: No protrusion of spinal tissue.
Detection
: Often asymptomatic and discovered later in life.
Symptoms
: Possible hair, dimple, or birthmark over lesion site.
Causes and Risk Factors
Unknown Causes
: Exact causes are unknown.
Folate Deficiency
: Lack of folate (Vitamin B9) increases risk.
Preventive Measures
: Folic acid in prenatal vitamins and enriched grains.
Other Risk Factors
: Obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, certain medications.
Diagnosis
Myelomeningocele Detection
: Elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels in maternal serum.
Additional Tests
: Blood tests for HCG, inhibin A, estriol, and ultrasound.
Amniocentesis
: Direct sampling from amniotic sac for serious cases.
Treatment
Prenatal Surgery
: Dangerous but possible to close myelomeningocele.
Postnatal Surgery
: Done soon after birth to reduce infection risks.
Additional Interventions
: Urinary catheterization, crutches, or wheelchairs due to nerve damage.
Recap
Spina Bifida Types
:
Occulta: Most common, least severe.
Meningocele: Least common, mild.
Myelomeningocele: Most severe.
Conclusion
Support
: Encourage support through donations, subscriptions, and sharing on social media.
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