[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.

Related Concept Videos

Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...