Glossary & acronyms
Anticholinergic - Class of medications that reduce spasms of smooth muscle such as the bladder.
BHMT - Betaine-Homocysteine Methyltransferase
Bladder Augmentation - an operation performed to increase the size and/or reduce the spasticity of the bladder. Also performed to reduce high bladder pressures.
Catheter - in spina bifida, a tubular medical device for insertion into the bladder to drain urine or to instill medication
Chiari Malformation - (key-AR-ee mal-for-MAY-shun) refers to the downward displacement of the 4th ventricle, brain stem and cerebellum, into the top of the spinal canal. First described in the 1890's by Dr. Hans Chiari. It is unknown why Chiari Malformation occurs with MMC. Possibly the best theory is the theory that assumes that “the primary problem is the lack of expressions of specific surface molecules (cellular adhesion molecules) on neurons developing neural tube”. Also referred to as Chiari Type II or Arnold Chiari Type II Malformation.
Colpocephaly - congenital brain abnormality in which the occipital horns - the posterior or rear portion of the lateral ventricles (cavities) of the brain -- are larger than normal because white matter in the posterior cerebrum has failed to develop or thicken. One of the brain malformations that often occurs with Chiari Malformation.
Corpus callosum - the great band of commissural fibers uniting the cerebral hemispheres
[corpus callosum illustration]
CIC - Clean Intermittent Catheterization - a common way for people with neurogenic bladders that do not empty normally to void their bladders on a routine schedule; clean, rather than sterile, technique is used.
Culture & Sensitivity - a urine sample is cultured at body temperature for 24 hours to determine if there is any growth of bacteria. If there is no growth at the end of that time, the culture is considered negative for significant number of microorganisms that could cause an infection. If bacteria are present, the total number of organisms are counted and identified. In addition, antibiotics are identified that can be used to treat the infection.
Cystogram (VCUG) - X-ray photography of the urinary bladder after injection of a contrast medium. Also refered to as a Voiding Cystourethrogram (SIS-toh-yoo-REE-throh-gram) or VCUG.
Hydronephrosis - (HY-droh-nef-ROH-sis): Swelling of the top of the ureter, usually because something is blocking the urine from flowing into or out of the bladder.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) - test that uses contrast agent (dye) that is injected into a vein to outline the kidneys, ureters and bladder on an X-ray
Meningocele - a protrusion of meninges through a defect in the skull or spinal column (as in spina bifida) forming a cyst filled with cerebrospinal fluid
MTHFR
MS - Methionine Synthase Gene - An enzyme which plays an important role in homocysteine metabolism
Myelomeningocele - spina bifida in which neural tissue of the spinal cord and the investing meninges protrude from the spinal column forming a sac under the skin. This is the most common and most severe form of spina bifida.
Neurogenic Bladder - the loss of normal bladder function caused by damage to part of the nervous system. The damage can cause the bladder to be underactive, in which it is unable to contract and unable to empty completely, or it can be overactive, in which it contracts too quickly or frequently.
Percutaneous Cecostomy - a tube is surgically placed in the patient’s cecum through the skin in the lower right part of the abdomen. This provides a convenient way to cleanse the bowels with an irrigation of enema solution. Developed by Dr. Peter G. Chait of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.
Polymorphism - a common variation in the sequence of DNA among individuals. A form of genetic variation. Polymorphisms of certain genes, such as MTHFR, RFC-1, and MS have been implicated in the development of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Pressure Sore - an area of skin break down caused by prolonged pressure. Sometimes referred to as a decubitus ulcer or bed sore.
Pyelonephritis - (PY-loh-nef-RY-tis) Also referred to as kidney infection usually caused by a germ that has traveled up through the urethra, bladder and ureters from outside the body. Typical symptoms include abdominal or back pain, fever, malaise and nausea or vomiting.
RFC-1- Reduced Folate Carrier Gene - A polymorphism of the reduced folate carrier gene (RFC-1) has been recently demonstrated to affect plasma folate and homocysteine levels.
Tectal Beaking - Refers to a malformation of the mesencephalic tectum and has been positively correlated with nystagmus (abnormal eye movements). The mesencephalic tectum is a rooflike structure covering the dorsal part of the mesencephalon (midbrain) See PMID 15060837
Urethra - (yoo-REE-thrah) In males, this narrow tube carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and also serves as the channel through which semen is ejaculated. Extends from the bladder to the tip of the penis. In females, this short, narrow tube carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Ureters - tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Urinalysis - (yoor-in-AL-ih-sis) sample of urine is examined under a microscope by looking for indications of infection — bacteria or white blood cells in the urine
UTI - Urinary Tract Infection - an infection of the tract through which urine passes and which consists of the renal tubules and renal pelvis of the kidney, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The most common organism causing such infection is Escherichia coli.
Urodynamic Testing (YOOR-oh-dy-NAM-ik): Procedures designed to provide information about a bladder problem. Measures of the bladder's ability to hold and release urine.
Vesicoureteral Reflux (VESS-ih-koh-yoo-REE-ter-ul): Also referred to as VUR. An abnormal condition in which urine backs up from the bladder into the ureters and occasionally into the kidneys, raising the risk of infection.