HELP!!
Here are loads of definitions of key words used on this website. For more information and advise click on the SHINE tab above to go to the SHINE website or copy and paste the link bellow:
http://www.shinecharity.org.uk
AFO (Ankle-Foot-Orthosis) - Ankle and foot bracing specifically made for Maya's lower leg. These support and protect her feet and ankles whilst moving around and help Maya whilst standing.
Atmia monitor - A monitor commonly used on new born babies in hospital that monitors breathing. The devise clicks every time the baby takes a breath and has an alarm that goes off if the baby does not breath for 10 or 20 seconds.
Breeched - A term used to describe the position of a baby during pregnancy where the baby's legs are sitting in the mothers pelvis rather than its head.
Canular - Access put into a vein by nurses/doctors to take blood samples and administer medication such as antibiotics
Chari II malformation - Downward displacement of the cerebellum into the spinal column from the base of the brain. In Maya's case this was caused by the fusing of her spinal cord due to her Spina bifida. In Maya's case this has caused a blockage of the CSF between the brain and spinal column. This has resulted in Maya needing a VP-Shunt and is likely to cause learning difficulties in the future.
cleft lip/palate - abnormal facial development before birth where there is a gap/opening of the lip.
CSF - Cerebrospinal Fluid, Is a clear colourless fluid inside the brain and spinal column. It is important in protecting the brain and spinal cord.
C-section - Caesarean Section, Is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through making an incision through the mothers abdomen and uterus rather than a vaginal delivery.
EBM - Expressed Breast milk, Breast milk obtained through the use of an expressing pump or by hand
ECG - Electrocardiogram, A procedure to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to look at heart rate, the reguarlity of beats, the size and position of the chambers in the heart and to look for damage to the heart.
EVD - External Ventricular Drain, A device used to regulate the build of CSF in the ventricles of the brain. In Maya's case this was used to replace her Shunt when she had Meningitis to lower the risk of further infection and spreading of meningitis.
HICKMAN central line - long term intravenous access point in the chest. In Maya's case it was used to give her an intense course of antibiotics, IV fluids and to take blood samples to test her blood. The hickman line was needed as Maya was so small and could not be canulated in the usual way.
Hydrocephalus - An abnormal accumilation of CSF in the brain. In Maya's case this is caused by he Chiari II malformation of her cerebellum. Maya's hydrocephalus or water on the brain as it is often called is regulated by a VP - Shunt.
Lumbar Spine (L1 - 5) - The lower part of the spine.
Meningitis - inflamation and infection of the brain and spinal cord. In Maya's case caused by the infection of her surgical site after the insertion of the VP-shunt.
MRI Scan - Magnetic resonance imaging. Maya ha has several MRI scans. Some where done before she was born as part of a study. Others have been to check her shunt is working and that there are no blockages. Images from Maya's scan can be found in the pregnancy section of Maya's story.
MRI Study - A study we took part in when I was pregnant with Maya. To look at the effectiveness of MRI scans as a diagnostic tool during pregnancy. We had two MRI scans done during my pregnancy and these were compared with the results obtained by the ultra-sound scans. The study is an ongoing research project by Professor Griffiths at the Royal Hallamshire University and Hospital.The study is supported by SHINE.
Naso-gastric feeding tube - A small tube that passes through the nostril in to the stomach for feeding and the administration of oral medication.
NICU - Neonatal intensive Care unit, where poorly new born and premature babies are cared for by specialist healthcare teams.
Spina Bifida - Split Spine, Is a spinal abnormality/neural tube defect formed in the first few weeks of fetus development. As the spinal column grows it doesn't fuse causing the the vertebrae to not fully close. There are several different types. Maya has Spina bifida Myelomeningocele.
Myelomeningocele - In individuals with myelomeningocele, the unfused portion of the spinal column allows the spinal cord to protrude through an opening. The meningeal membranes that cover the spinal cord form a sac enclosing the spinal elements.
Trimethoprim - Maya's first oral antibiotic to prevent Urinary tract Infections.
VP Shunt - A device that is under the skin and runs from the brain to the abdomen. It drains the excess CSF from Maya's ventricles to prevent a build up of CSF, pressure and swelling of the brain.
http://www.shinecharity.org.uk
AFO (Ankle-Foot-Orthosis) - Ankle and foot bracing specifically made for Maya's lower leg. These support and protect her feet and ankles whilst moving around and help Maya whilst standing.
Atmia monitor - A monitor commonly used on new born babies in hospital that monitors breathing. The devise clicks every time the baby takes a breath and has an alarm that goes off if the baby does not breath for 10 or 20 seconds.
Breeched - A term used to describe the position of a baby during pregnancy where the baby's legs are sitting in the mothers pelvis rather than its head.
Canular - Access put into a vein by nurses/doctors to take blood samples and administer medication such as antibiotics
Chari II malformation - Downward displacement of the cerebellum into the spinal column from the base of the brain. In Maya's case this was caused by the fusing of her spinal cord due to her Spina bifida. In Maya's case this has caused a blockage of the CSF between the brain and spinal column. This has resulted in Maya needing a VP-Shunt and is likely to cause learning difficulties in the future.
cleft lip/palate - abnormal facial development before birth where there is a gap/opening of the lip.
CSF - Cerebrospinal Fluid, Is a clear colourless fluid inside the brain and spinal column. It is important in protecting the brain and spinal cord.
C-section - Caesarean Section, Is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through making an incision through the mothers abdomen and uterus rather than a vaginal delivery.
EBM - Expressed Breast milk, Breast milk obtained through the use of an expressing pump or by hand
ECG - Electrocardiogram, A procedure to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to look at heart rate, the reguarlity of beats, the size and position of the chambers in the heart and to look for damage to the heart.
EVD - External Ventricular Drain, A device used to regulate the build of CSF in the ventricles of the brain. In Maya's case this was used to replace her Shunt when she had Meningitis to lower the risk of further infection and spreading of meningitis.
HICKMAN central line - long term intravenous access point in the chest. In Maya's case it was used to give her an intense course of antibiotics, IV fluids and to take blood samples to test her blood. The hickman line was needed as Maya was so small and could not be canulated in the usual way.
Hydrocephalus - An abnormal accumilation of CSF in the brain. In Maya's case this is caused by he Chiari II malformation of her cerebellum. Maya's hydrocephalus or water on the brain as it is often called is regulated by a VP - Shunt.
Lumbar Spine (L1 - 5) - The lower part of the spine.
Meningitis - inflamation and infection of the brain and spinal cord. In Maya's case caused by the infection of her surgical site after the insertion of the VP-shunt.
MRI Scan - Magnetic resonance imaging. Maya ha has several MRI scans. Some where done before she was born as part of a study. Others have been to check her shunt is working and that there are no blockages. Images from Maya's scan can be found in the pregnancy section of Maya's story.
MRI Study - A study we took part in when I was pregnant with Maya. To look at the effectiveness of MRI scans as a diagnostic tool during pregnancy. We had two MRI scans done during my pregnancy and these were compared with the results obtained by the ultra-sound scans. The study is an ongoing research project by Professor Griffiths at the Royal Hallamshire University and Hospital.The study is supported by SHINE.
Naso-gastric feeding tube - A small tube that passes through the nostril in to the stomach for feeding and the administration of oral medication.
NICU - Neonatal intensive Care unit, where poorly new born and premature babies are cared for by specialist healthcare teams.
Spina Bifida - Split Spine, Is a spinal abnormality/neural tube defect formed in the first few weeks of fetus development. As the spinal column grows it doesn't fuse causing the the vertebrae to not fully close. There are several different types. Maya has Spina bifida Myelomeningocele.
Myelomeningocele - In individuals with myelomeningocele, the unfused portion of the spinal column allows the spinal cord to protrude through an opening. The meningeal membranes that cover the spinal cord form a sac enclosing the spinal elements.
Trimethoprim - Maya's first oral antibiotic to prevent Urinary tract Infections.
VP Shunt - A device that is under the skin and runs from the brain to the abdomen. It drains the excess CSF from Maya's ventricles to prevent a build up of CSF, pressure and swelling of the brain.