FlashcardsMedical conditions: Behavior & neurodevelopment

Spina bifida flashcards

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How does Spina bifida affect dental management?

1 / 6

How does Spina bifida affect dental management?

Latex precautions: verify latex-free gloves, dam, prophy cups, and medical/dental equipment rather than assuming every product is safe.
Emergency readiness: Maintain an anaphylaxis response plan.
Scheduling limit: A first appointment is not a substitute for avoiding latex exposure.
VP and VA shunts: routine dental antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for the shunt alone.
When to consult: Consult the neurosurgeon when there is a clinical concern, suspected infection, or uncertainty about the device or medical status.
Positioning: Wheelchair transfer or treatment in the wheelchair; pressure-sore precautions where sensation is absent
Shunt function: Monitor for shunt failure signs: headache, vomiting, lethargy, irritability
Home care: Prevention and caregiver training for home care

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Finding/device	Dental consequence
Spina bifida without known latex reaction	Still provide latex-free care; record precautionary avoidance separately from confirmed allergy.
VP or VA shunt alone	No routine dental antibiotic prophylaxis.
Suspected shunt malfunction/infection	Neurosurgical assessment of clinical stability; do not substitute an automatic antibiotic rule.
Absent sensation or impaired mobility	Safe transfers, supported positioning, and pressure-sore precautions.