Meningocoele and Meningomyelocoele Malformations

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Which type of spinal dysraphism is characterized by a vertebral defect with no fusion of two halves of the vertebral arch?

Meningocoele

Spina bifida occulta (correct)

Myelomeningocoele

None of the above

Which region is commonly affected by spina bifida occulta?

Thoracic

Cervical

Lumbar

Sacral (correct)

What is the main characteristic feature of spina bifida occulta?

Defect in the skin with a visible opening

Presence of a small dimple with or without hair (correct)

Severe neurological symptoms

Complete absence of any symptoms

What percentage of people does spina bifida occulta affect?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of spinal dysraphism involves a defect in the skin and may present with fluid-filled sac protruding through the vertebral defect?

Myelomeningocoele Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a meningocoele and a meningomyelocoele?

In a meningocoele, only the meninges protrude through the vertebral defect, while in a meningomyelocoele, the spinal cord also extends through the defect. Signup and view all the answers

What type of developmental anomaly is a meningocoele?

A congenital malformation of the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of meningomyelocoele?

Difficulty with speech and language development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why individuals with meningomyelocoele are at risk of infection?

The thin overlying skin covering the protruding spinal cord and meninges is prone to breakdown and infection. Signup and view all the answers

Why are motor and sensory deficits common in individuals with meningomyelocoele?

The protruding spinal cord is exposed to mechanical trauma, leading to damage and loss of function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most well-established risk factor for neural tube defects (NTDs)?

Folate deficiency during the first weeks of gestation Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between forebrain anomalies and mutations in several genes?

Forebrain anomalies are caused by mutations in several genes required for proper cerebral development. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is TRUE about megalencephaly and microencephaly?

Megalencephaly is characterized by an abnormally small brain volume. Signup and view all the answers

What can microencephaly be associated with?

Chromosome abnormalities, fetal alcohol syndrome, and HIV-1 acquired in utero. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of microencephaly?

Reduction in the number of neurons reaching the neocortex. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of microencephaly mentioned in the text?

Exposure to radiation during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of serious malformations at birth?

3% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is highlighted as undetermined in over 50% of malformations?

Aetiology Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor is mentioned as a teratogen?

Chemical agents Signup and view all the answers

When does a teratogenic agent produce more damage?

Early in gestation Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neural tube do most common defects affect?

Spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What do neural tube defects involve?

Combination of neural tissue, meninges, and overlying bone or soft tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the most severe form of forebrain malformation described?

Cyclopia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of malformation is characterized by the complete failure of the brain to divide?

Alobar Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of arhinencephaly?

Absence of the olfactory bulb Signup and view all the answers

Which type of malformation involves fusion of cerebral hemispheres in the frontal lobes?

Semi-lobar Signup and view all the answers

How does semi-lobar malformation differ from lobar malformation?

Fusion in frontal and parietal regions Signup and view all the answers