Download SPINA BIFIDA

SPINA BIFIDA
An ongoing challenge
Presented by:
Tino Cantu and Maggie
Sanchez
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida latin word for split spine.
Most common group of birth defects
called neural tube defects (NTD).
The neural tube develops into the
brain and spinal cord.
What is Spina Bifida?
It’s a defect of the spine in a
developing fetus, it affects the
brain,spinal cord,and it’s muscles
surrounding it, and resulting in loss of
movement and or sensation to the
legs and feet as well as bowel
movement and bladder dysfunction.
When does Spina Bifida occur?
Occurs between days 24 and 28 of
gestation.
This disorders arise from
abnormalities occuring during three
major concurrent migrations of cell
groups during embryogenesis which
include those of the neural tube, the
notochord, and the mesenchymal
tissue.
When does Spina Bifida occur?
The notochord is a column of cells
that run up the length of the embryo
between the ectoderm and
endoderm.It plays an important role in
inducing formation of the spinal cord
and spinal column.
When does spina bifida occur?
The neural tube is the precursor of
the brain and spinal cord. At this
stage the ectodermal cells in the
midline differentiate into
neuroectoderm to form the neural
plate. The neural plate elevates to
form neural folds that then meet or
close at midline to form the neural
tube.
When does Spina Bifida (cont)
The mesenchymal rods run down the
length of the embryo form lateral to
the notochord by the concentration of
mesenchymal cells. The rods
eventually break into 42-44 pairs of
somites at sequential levels. Somites
will form part of the vertebrae by
migrating around the neural tube,
other parts of the mesenchyme will
form tissue such as muscle,posterior
Three forms of Spina Bifida
Occulta-There is a small defect or gap
in one or more vertebrae of the spine,
most affected individuals have no
problems.
Meningocele-Rarest form a cyst
consisting of membranes surrounding
the spinal cord pokes through the
open part of the spine. Can be
removed surgically allowing for
normal development.
Three forms of Spina Bifida
(cont)
Myelomeningocele- Most severe
form. The cyst holds both membranes
surrounding the spinal canal, nerve
roots of the spinal cord and often the
cord itself. Sometimes it’s a fully
exposed section of the spinal cord
and nerves. Has to be closed
surgically. In spite of surgery the
problem of paralysis,bladder and
bowel control still remain.
What causes Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida is usually an isolated
birth defect. Although scientists
believe genetics and environmental
factors act together to cause this,
many babies born with spina bifida
have no family history of this disorder.
What causes Spina Bifida?
Women with certain chronic health
problems such as diabetes and
seizure disorders have an increased
risk of having a baby with spina bifida
especially if taking anticonvulcant
medications. Approximately 1/100 of
having a baby with spina bifida.
How Is Spina Bifida treated?
One way that Spina Bifida is being
treated is by operating on the fetus
while still in the womb. This procedure
is done as if fetus is being delivered
via cesarean section.
Another way is that it is usually
treated surgically between 24 to48
hours after birth.
Can Spina Bifida be prevented?
Yes it can, studies have showed that
women should take folic acid before
and during pregnancy to avoid any
neural tube defects.It is
recommended that women take a
multivitamin containing 400
micrograms of folic acid daily and
foods that contain natural folic acid
such as vegetables, grains, and
orange and citrus juices.
Spina Bifida Images
References
Menkes, J.H. and Till, K. “Malformations of
the Central Nervous System.” Textbook of
Child Neurology 5th Edition. Willliams and
Wilkins,1995; p.246-266.
Sandler, A. “A Living with Spina Bifida.” A
Guide for Families and Professionals.
University of North Carolina Press, 1997.
“The Medicine Journal.” Spina Bifida: An
Ongoing Challenge. June 2001. pages 1-7
THE END