Purchase Solution

Neuroanatomy: Swelling in Fourth and Fifth Lumbar Vertebra

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

A pediatrician examining an infant found a large swelling in the lower part of the infants back over the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra. The summit of the swelling had an oval raw area from which a clear fluid was discharging. The legs were hyperextended and feet were held in a position of talipes calcaneus.

What is the problem?

Explain all aspects of the defect on the back.

[I think it may be spina bifida meningocele, since there is not mention of spinal cord in the swelling. however i am not sure and i don't know why the swelling would have a discarge (CSF)... lack of folate and possible the LE issues are residual due to residual paralysis... Can anyone help me??]

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The solution uses the symptoms mentioned in the problem to determine the most likely diagnosis as well as the level of injury.

Solution Preview

I'm going to go through each of the symptoms one by one, and explain what we can learn from them:

"a large swelling in the lower part of the infants back over the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra"

As you mentioned, this is most likely some form of spina bifida, a defect of the spinal column that is caused by the neural tube failing to close completely during embryonic development. Neural tube defects (NTDs) can run in families, so the cause is at least partly genetic, but there are also environmental causes -- some medicines increase the risk of NTDs, and taking folic acid supplements can decrease the risk.

The malformed region of the spinal column ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Understanding the Musculoskeletal system

Introduce and understand basic information how the skeletal system and muscular system work in close concert with one another. And how their interaction between muscle and bone, as they work together to allow us movement.

Birth 101

Do you know about childbirth? Find out with this quiz.

Biochemistry Basics

A refresher quiz to test your knowledge of basics concepts of biochemistry.

Vision and Oculomotor Control

This quiz will test the student's knowledge of the neural underpinnings of the visual system and its central pathways.

Creating a Birth Plan

Preparing for a birth and want to make sure that you're including all the right information? Use this quiz to get on the right track and check your birth plan knowledge!