Myelomeningocele: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is myelomeningocele?

Myelomeningocele meaning: A form of birth abnormality that occurs when the baby's developing spinal cord does not develop normally. It is also called myelomeningocele spina bifida, which means incomplete closure of the spinal canal after birth.

This birth defect can be recognized before birth. It can be corrected either during pregnancy or shortly after.

It is a specific kind of neural tube defect. The embryonic structure known as the neural tube eventually gives rise to the baby's brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues. It appears as a fluid-filled sac protruding from the baby's spine.

What exactly is a neural tube defect?

A neural tube is a ribbon-like structure that rolls and becomes a tube-like structure. It starts forming one month after conception. It forms the baby's spine and brain as the pregnancy progresses. A neural tube defect (NTD) occurs when this tube fails to close properly. Birth defects of this kind start quite early in the pregnancy. Most of the time, even before the woman knows she is pregnant. NTD results in brain or spine defects.

Difference between spina bifida and myelomeningocele?

Spina bifida is a condition where the baby's neural tube in the area of the spine fails to close fully. This can happen in any region of the spinal cord. When this occurs, a baby's backbone, which safeguards its spinal cord, fails to properly develop and close. This results in damage to the baby's nerves and spinal cord.

myelomeningocele Spina bifida is a severe form of this condition. It appears as a fluid-filled sac on the back of the baby, from which a part of the nerve and the spinal cord protrude. Other types of spina bifida include myelocele and spina bifida occulta.

Difference between meningocele and myelomeningocele?

Both myelomeningocele and meningocele are types of spina bifida.

Meningocele: This is seen as a fluid-filled sac on the baby's back, but the spinal cord is not within the sac. It is rare to see any nerve damage.

In myelomeningocele, there is damage to a part of the baby's nerve and spinal cord. A part of the spinal cord and nerve is seen in the fluid-filled sac. It is one of the most common birth defects related to the nervous system.

Who is affected by myelomeningocele?

It is a condition that is more common in whites and Hispanics. Females are more affected than males. children with other genetic abnormalities or associated NTD defects.

Is myelomeningocele common?

In the United States, myelomeningocele affects over 1,645 newborns each year, making it the most prevalent congenital disorder of the central nervous system.

Symptoms of myelomeningocele

Babies with myelomeningocele will present the following features:

• fluid-filled sac in the mid- or lower back area along the spine

• Other birth defects are seen along with this fluid-filled sac.

• The majority of children with this condition also have fluid in their brains (hydrocephalus).

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• Other issues seen in children along with myelomeningocele are a fluid-filled cyst on the back (Springomyelia), and hip dislocation.

Causes myelomeningocele

• Folate deficiency in the mother raises the baby's risk of NTD.

• Family history of NTD. Couples should always meet a genetic counselor before planning to have a child. On the other hand, a lot of cases are solitary and have no familial history.

• Certain medications, such as anti-epileptic medicines taken during pregnancy, put the child at risk.

• Mothers with diabetes

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• Obesity in the mother is another risk factor for birth defects in the child.

• Increased body temperature during the early stages of pregnancy.

Ask the doctor when a higher dose or a prescription of folic acid is needed if there are recognised risk factors for spina bifida, even before becoming pregnant.

Inform the doctor if a drug is being used. Prepare ahead of time, several medications can be changed to reduce the chance of developing spina bifida.

Treatment myelomeningocele

Myelomeningocele is often treated with surgery to close the gap in the baby's spine. Healthcare professionals perform surgery either before or right after delivery.

Frequently, babies with myelomeningocele suffer hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in their brain). They might need a shunt implanted, to help drain the extra fluid from their brain.

Most babies will require lifetime care to manage conditions brought on by injuries to their spinal cord and spinal nerves. Antibiotics to cure or prevent infections like meningitis or urinary tract infections (UTIs), as well as physical therapy, are common therapies.