Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. The spinal cord and backbone fail to close while a fetus grows, causing a sac containing parts of the spinal cord to protrude out its back.
Myelomeningocele may cause severe complications that may lead to disabilities and malformations. Some types of imaging tests help diagnose myelomeningocele and spina bifida.
Myelomeningocele severity may vary depending on the nerve protrusion’s position.
This article will explain myelomeningocele, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Myelomeningocele is the
The baby may not have movement or sensation in parts of the body below the protrusion. The higher the myelomeningocele is, the less movement they may have.
A person with myelomeningocele may experience symptoms
- lack of sensation in their feet and legs, and sometimes parts of the abdomen
- problems moving parts of their body below the protrusion on their back
- sensory impairments (loss of the sensation of touch)
- poor or absent bladder or bowel control
- hydrocephalus
- cognitive impairment
- learning difficulties
- problems in the development of the back of their brain
- skin problems
- latex allergy
The causes of myelomeningocele are unknown, but experts believe environmental and genetic factors may be involved.
Environmental factors
- radiation
- pollution
- pesticides
- organic solvents
- certain medications, recreational drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
Maternal factors that may cause myelomeningocele include:
- irregular maternal nutrition
- low folic acid intake
- caffeine and alcohol consumption
- smoking
- anticonvulsant medication
- certain conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hyperthermia, and anxiety
Most myelomeningocele cases are sporadic, but some genetic factors may increase the risk of occurrence. This includes the presence of abnormalities in certain chromosomes and having a first-degree relative with the condition.
Healthcare professionals can identify if a fetus is at risk for spina bifida by conducting an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) blood test in the second trimester of pregnancy. If a pregnant person has high levels of AFP, that may be a sign that the fetus has spina bifida.
Other tests that may detect risk for spina bifida include amniocentesis, an amniotic fluid test that detects chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus.
An ultrasound scan can diagnose spina bifida before a fetus is born, as it can be used to look at images of the fetus and check for a myelomeningocele sac.
If the doctor finds myelomeningoceles after birth, they may prescribe some imaging tests to see the spine. These tests may include:
After a healthcare professional gives a diagnosis, it is necessary to
Prenatal surgery is possible if doctors diagnose myelomeningocele before birth.
Other treatments related to myelomeningocele complications may include:
- implanting a thin tube to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (a shunt)
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- using mobility aids, such as leg braces and splints
- surgery to treat bone and joint problems
- antibiotics
- bladder surgery or urinary catheterization
- colostomy
Myelomeningocele
- meningitis
- paralysis or abnormal sensation
- blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid, which may cause hydrocephalus
- Chiari II malformation
- tethered cord syndrome
- learning disabilities
- bladder or bowel problems
- skin ulcers
- poor bone mineral density
- kidney failure
Myelocele, also known as myeloschisis, is a rarer congenital spinal cord malformation. It is also caused by the neural tube failing to close during a fetus’s development. This results in an incomplete section of the spinal cord that is exposed to the environment.
However, this malformation does not protrude beyond the skin’s surface like myelomeningocele. Clinical aspects, such as an association with Chiari II malformation, are similar to myelomeningocele.
In myelomeningocele, a sac containing nerves that hold some parts of the spinal cord
Myelomeningocele is the
- Spina bifida occulta: This is the most common and mildest form of spina bifida. This occurs when one or more vertebrae have a malformation. Doctors often find spina bifida occulta by accident after an imaging test, such as an X-ray. It rarely causes symptoms or disabilities.
- Meningocele: This occurs when spinal fluid creates a sac through the spine. This type of malformation does not contain nerves but only liquid. People with meningocele may have only minor symptoms.
- Close neural tube defects: This is a malformation of fat, membranes, or bone covering the spinal cord. This defect requires surgery and can cause leg weakness and difficulty controlling bowel and bladder functions.
According to the
Some people with myelomeningocele might experience more difficulty moving or functioning. In more severe cases, people may even experience paralysis. They may be unable to walk to move part of their body.
A
The review also found that kidney failure is a key cause of death in people with myelomeningocele, and bowel problems are a key cause of decreased quality of life.
People with myelomeningocele can still lead full lives. The earlier a person receives a diagnosis, the
Learn more about treatment options for babies born with spina bifida.
A person can contact a healthcare professional during pregnancy to request a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening and fetal ultrasound if they have not received these tests. These tests
A person with a diagnosis of myelomeningocele should contact a doctor if they notice a worsening of their symptoms. They should also seek medical help if they notice new symptoms, including those involving the function of the bowels or bladder.
A person should seek emergency medical attention if signs of an infection or blockage around the site of a shunt are present.
Family and carers of people with spinal bifida
The Spina Bifida Association runs a network of chapters and communities where people can connect with other families experiencing similar challenges.
Myelomeningocele is the most severe type of spina bifida. It requires surgery to repair the spinal damage. Doctors can also carry out prenatal surgery.
To help diagnose myelomeningocele, doctors can prescribe X-ray, CT, and MRI scans to understand the severity of the damage.
After the diagnosis is important to treat the myelomeningocele as soon as possible in order to prevent additional damage.
Myelomeningocele may lead to different types of complications, such as hydrocephalus, meningitis, kidney failure, bowel, and bladder problems.