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Spina Bifida

Spina bifida (cleft spine) is a birth defect affecting the spinal column. Spina bifida progresses from a cleft, or splitlike opening, in the back part of the backbones (the spinal vertebrae). In more severe cases, it involves the spinal cord. Spina bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects known as neural tube defects, which affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Spina bifida begins in the womb, when the tissues that fold to form the neural tube do not close or do not stay closed completely. This causes an opening in the vertebrae, which surround and protect the spinal cord. This occurs just a few weeks (21 to 28 days) after conceptionusually before the woman knows that she is pregnant. There are 3 types of spina bifida. Spina bifida occulta: Occulta means hidden, and the defect is not visible. Spina bifida occulta is rarely linked with complications or symptoms. Spina bifida occulta is usually discovered accidentally when the person has an x-ray or MRI for some other reason. The prevalence of occulta is not known, but it is probably the most common type of spina bifida. Estimates of prevalence from 5% to as high as 40% have been proposed. Meningocele: The membrane that surrounds the spinal cord may enlarge, creating a lump or cyst. This is often invisible through the skin and causes no problems. If the spinal canal is cleft, or bifid, the cyst may expand and come to the surface. In such cases, since the cyst does not enclose the spinal cord, the cord is not exposed. The cyst varies in size, but it can almost always be removed surgically if necessary, leaving no permanent disability. This is an uncommon type of spina bifida. Spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele): This is the most complex and severe form of spina bifida. Spina bifida cystica usually involves neurological problems that can be very serious or even fatal. A section of the spinal cord and the nerves that stem from the cord are exposed and visible on the outside of the body. Or, if there is a cyst, it encloses part of the cord and the nerves. This condition, which was documented 4000 years ago, accounts for 94% of cases of true spina bifida. The term spina bifida often is used interchangeably with myelomeningocele, since this is the type of spina bifida that causes the vast majority of disability. Fortunately, surgery is an effective treatment in most people with spina bifida. Most infants with an open spine or myelomeningocele undergo surgery within the first 48 hours of life to close the defect. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection of the exposed spinal cord and nerves until these structures can be protected by surgery. Before antibiotics were available, most children born with myelomeningocele died soon after birth. Those who survived were severely disabled. With modern treatment, almost all children with myelomeningocele survive and most are able to live productive lives with some degree of independence. Even with these treatments, however, most have some degree of permanent leg paralysis and often difficulties with bowel and bladder function. The extent of paralysis depends on which part of the spinal cord is involved. The higher the defect on the body, the more severe the paralysis. About 80% of myelomeningoceles occur in the lumbar (lower back) and sacral (tailbone) regions of the spine.

Spinal anaesthesia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Spinal anaesthesia (or spinal anesthesia), also called spinal analgesia or sub-arachnoid block (SAB), is a form of regional anaesthesia involving injection ...

Spinal Anesthesia Simulation

Feb 7, 2011 ... Lampotang S, Lizdas D, Gravenstein N: Web Simulation of Spinal Anesthesia. Retrieved <insert date of retrieval here>, from University of ...

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Jan 29, 2010 ... All five women had received intrapartum spinal anesthesia. Four were confirmed to have Streptococcus salivarius meningitis, and one woman ...

spinal anesthesia - definition of spinal anesthesia in the Medical ...

anesthesia /an·es·the·sia/ (an″es-the´zhah). 1. loss of sensation, usually by damage to a nerve or receptor. 2. loss of the ability to feel pain, ...

Haptic Technology in Assessing Spinal Anesthesia Delivery

Nov 3, 2009 ... Haptic Technology in Assessing Spinal Anesthesia Delivery. Filed under: Anesthesiology. A research study to assess the practicality of using ...

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Oct 17, 2005 ... The only 2 factors that can reliably reduce the risk for PDPH are the caliber and type of spinal needle used for the procedure.

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Jan 28, 2010 ... Regional anesthesia (regional nerve blocks, epidural and spinal anesthesia) also carries the risk of systemic toxicity if the anesthetic is ...