Levels of Spina Bifida
What is the most common level of Spina Bifida?
Lumbosacral (L4 - S1)
What are the two classifications of Spina Bifida and the relevant sub-categories?
- Spina Bifida Occulta
- Spina Bifida Cystica
Define Spina Bifida.
A congenital abnormality with incomplete closure of the vertebral canal due to incomplete fusion of vertebral arches
What mobility training is emphasized for children with Spina Bifida?
Wheelchair mobility and ambulation skills.)
What nutritional deficiency increases the risk of Spina Bifida?
Folic acid deficiency.
What motor abilities are seen with L3 lesions?
Weak Hip ext, hip abd, knee flx
- require ambulation with crutches/braces.
Which type of Spina Bifida involves meninges and fluid but no spinal cord protrusion?
Meningocele
What is the role of a shunt in managing hydrocephalus?
Drains cerebrospinal fluid from enlarged ventricles to the peritoneal cavity.
How does weight bearing in the lower extremities help children with Spina Bifida?
Stimulates extensor musculature and trunk control.
Which demographic has the lowest incidence of Spina Bifida?
Japanese populations.
What are common presentations with thoraco-lumbar lesions?
Serious neural damage, flaccid paralysis, and anterior horn cell degeneration.
What is the most severe form of Spina Bifida Cystica?
Myelomeningocele
What is the name of the protrusion of the cerebellum and brainstem out of the foramen magnum?
Arnold-Chiari malformation.
What is one therapy goal for children with weak trunk control?
Development of sitting balance and trunk equilibrium reactions.)
What percentage of children with Spina Bifida experience skin breakdown in their lifetime?
95%.
What mobility aid is most commonly used for high lumbar lesions?
Wheelchair for mobility
What type of Spina Bifida is associated with tethered cord syndrome?
Spina Bifida Occulta.
What is the medical test to diagnose Spina Bifida prenatally?
Alpha-fetoprotein test, ultrasound, or amniocentesis.
What type of bracing is recommended for children with thoracic-level lesions?
Parapodium or reciprocating gait orthosis
What are the most common cognitive difficulties in children with Spina Bifida?
Visual perceptual problems
fine motor difficulties
What type of braces are used for ambulation with L5 and S1 lesions?
AFOs [ankle-foot orthoses].
What is the term for an open vertebral arch with exposed neural tissue and no skin closure?
Myeloschisis
What is the term for the sac-like protrusion of brain and meninges in the skull?
Encephalocele.
Name a positioning intervention for preventing scoliosis in children with Spina Bifida
Wheelchair positioning or parapodium use for alignment.
Name 5 signs of Shunt Malfunction
- HA
- Vomitting
- lethargy
- Fever
- Changes in Behavior, tone, visual acuity, appetite