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Myelomeningocele

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Spina bifida
Spina bifida
Spina bifida (degrees of severity)
Spina bifida (degrees of severity)

Alternative Names    Return to top

Spina bifida; Cleft spine

Definition    Return to top

Myelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. The condition is a type of spina bifida.

Causes    Return to top

Myelomeningocele is one of the most common birth defects of the central nervous system. It is a neural tube defect in which the bones of the spine do not completely form, resulting in an incomplete spinal canal. This causes the spinal cord and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord) to stick out of the child's back.

Myelomeningocele accounts for about 75% of all cases of spina bifida and may affect as many as 1 out of every 800 infants. Spina bifida includes any birth defect involving insufficient closure of the spine.

The rest of myelomeningocele cases are most commonly:

Other congenital disorders may also be present in the child. Hydrocephalus may affect as many as 90% of children with myelomeningocele. Other disorders of the spinal cord or musculoskeletal system may be seen, including syringomyelia and hip dislocation.

The cause of myelomeningocele is unknown. However, folic acid deficiency is thought to play a part in neural tube defects. Also, if a child is born with myelomeningocele, subsequent children in that family have a higher risk than the general population.

Some theorize that a virus make play a role, since there is a higher rate of this condition in children born in the early winter months. Research also indicates possible environmental factors such as radiation.

Symptoms    Return to top

A newborn may have a sac sticking out of the mid to lower back. The doctor cannot see through the sac when shining a light behind it. Symptoms include:

The exposed spinal cord is susceptible to infection. Other symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Prenatal screening can help diagnose this condition. During the first trimester, pregnant women can have a blood test called a triple screen. This test screens for myelomeningocele, Down syndrome, and other congenital diseases in the baby. Most women carrying a baby with spina bifida will have a higher-than-normal levels of a protein called maternal alpha fetoprotein (AFP).

If the triple screen test is position, further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Such tests may include:

Myelomeningocele can be seen after the child is born. A neurologic examination may show that the child has loss of nerve-related functions below the defect. For example, watching how the infant responds to pinpricks at various locations may reveal where he or she can feel the sensations.

Tests done on the baby after birth may include x-rays, ultrasound, CT, or MRI of the spinal area.

Treatment    Return to top

Genetic counseling may be recommended. In some cases where severe defect is detected early in the pregnancy, a therapeutic abortion may be considered.

After birth, surgery to repair the defect is usually recommended at an early age. Before surgery, the infant must be handled carefully to reduce damage to the exposed spinal cord. This may include special care and positioning, protective devices, and changes in the methods of handling, feeding, and bathing.

Antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent infections such as meningitis or urinary tract infections.

Gentle downward pressure over the bladder may help drain the bladder. In severe cases, drainage tubes, called catheters, may be needed. Bowel training programs and a high fiber diet may improve bowel function.

Orthopedic or physical therapy may be needed to treat musculoskeletal symptoms. Neurological losses are treated according to the type and severity of function loss.

Follow-up neurologic testing as the child gets older helps to guide rehabilitation.

Support Groups    Return to top

See: Spina bifida resources

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

A myelomeningocele can usually be surgically corrected. With treatment, length of life is not severely affected. Neurological damage is often irreversible.

Possible Complications    Return to top

This list may not be all inclusive.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if:

Prevention    Return to top

Folic acid supplements may help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as myelomeningocele. It is recommended that any woman considering becoming pregnant take 0.4 mg of folic acid a day. Pregnant women need 1 mg per day.

It is important to remember that folic acid deficiencies must be corrected before becoming pregnant as the defects develop very early.

Prospective mothers may be screened to determine the amount of folic acid in their blood.

Update Date: 10/11/2007

Updated by: Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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