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Published on: November 24, 2017
[Neuropsychological deficits in hydrocephalus associated spina bifida]
C Pelegrín Valero1, J Tirapu Ustarroz, N Landa González
1Servicio de Psiquiatría; Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, 50009, España. fundacionargibide@maptel.es
Insights
Spina bifida and hydrocephaly are congenital conditions affecting neural tube closure. This review examines associated neuropsychological deficits, including visual-perceptive, memory, language, and executive function impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Clinical Psychology
Context:
- Spina bifida involves incomplete posterior vertebral arch fusion, a congenital abnormality.
- Hydrocephaly, often linked with spina bifida, presents as excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the brain.
- Understanding the interplay between these conditions is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose:
- To review neuropsychological alterations associated with hydrocephaly.
- To specifically examine cognitive deficits in hydrocephaly linked to spina bifida.
- To propose integrating new cognitive neuropsychology models for analyzing these alterations.
Summary:
- The review focuses on neuropsychological deficits in hydrocephaly, particularly when co-occurring with spina bifida.
- Commonly observed impairments include visual-perceptive and visual-constructive difficulties.
- Alterations in working memory, pragmatic language use, and executive functions are also frequently noted.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for early identification and intervention for cognitive impairments in affected individuals.
- Suggests a framework for understanding complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Informs clinical practice and future research directions in pediatric neurology and neuropsychology.
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION. The term spina bifida is used to describe a large number of abnormalities in which the common denominator is incomplete posterior fusion of the vertebral arches. DEVELOPMENT. Spina bifida, as a congenital alteration affecting closure of the neural tube frequently appears in relation to hydrocephaly. The object of this article is to review the neuropsychological alterations which occur in hydrocephaly, with special reference to hydrocephaly linked to spina bifida. The authors suggest consideration of these alterations in view of the new models of cognitive neuropsychology. The commonest alterations are those affecting visual-perceptive and visual-constructive function, working memory, pragmatic use of language and executive functions.
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