Spina Bifida Case Study

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Spina bifida, which literally means “cleft spine,” is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges, the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord. Meningomyelocele is the most severe type Spina Bifida, and requires surgery as treatment. It happens when parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine. It causes nerve damage and decreased motor function. . Despite aggressive intervention, nearly 14% of all Spina Bifida neonates do not survive past 5 years of age, with the mortality rising to 35% in those with symptoms of brainstem dysfunction secondary to the Arnold–Chiari malformation (Oakeshott 2003).
Some structural anomalies are virtually unique to individuals with SBM, including a complex pattern of cerebellar dysplasia known as the Chiari II malformation. This can cause negative effects on brain …show more content…

(2014) poses to be a treat to external validity. It only offers results from one patient .Although, successful it does not represent the population as a whole. It also continues to study the infants results as the mature into an adult, and the results may change in time. Results conclude fetal surgery allows for less shunting dependency and increased motor function. This study acknowledges fetal surgery as a new approach for Spina Bifida treatment and recommends it should it only performed in tertiary care.

Although these articles differ in sample size they state the same thing in that prenatal surgery is the most effective treatment for Spina Bifida, and is associated with less difficulties than postnatal surgery. Since, Spina Bifida is a progressive and there is no known cure, fetal surgery shows positive outcomes for participants that undergo this procedure. All the researchers felt strongly that prenatal surgery is a new upcoming way of treatment and should be only performed in multidisciplinary facilities that specialized in meningomyelocele

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