Grant Shonesky's Spina Bifida Presentation

1. Spina Bifida
Grant Shonesky

2. What is Spina Bifida?
 Birth
Defect (1/1000 babies)
 Bones of Spine form improperly
 Malformation, or opening in spine
 Spinal cord exposed (Severe)
 3 types
 Spina Bifida Occulta, Meningocele,
Myelomeningocele

3. Cause
 The
cause is unknown
 Genes and environment are possible
factors
 Obese and Diabetic mothers have
increased risk

4. Symptoms
 Symptoms
vary depending on
severity and type on spina bifida
 Dimple, birthmark, or hairy patch on
back are common (mild)
 In moderate to severe cases,
swelling is present
 Nerves may be protruding from gap
 Fluid buildup in brain, disability

5. Spina Bifida Occulta (Mild)
 Most
common form of spina bifida
 Symptoms mild or non existent
 Often detected in x-rays for
unrelated injuries
 Usually harmless
 Treatment not required

6. Meningocele (Moderate)
 Meninges
(Membranes that envelop
central nervous system) protrude
from hole in spine
 Spinal fluid leaks out of spine
 Often times this fluid builds up and
forms a bubble or bulge in the skin

7. Myelomeningocele (severe)
 Spinal
cord directly exposed
 Nerves protrude from spinal canal
 Often times, these nerves are
damaged
 Large bump on back
 Paralysis from site of bifida may
occur
 Fluid buildup in brain, scoliosis are
common