Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida, in which the bones of the baby's spine do not develop properly during gestation, causing a pouch to appear on the baby's back that contains the spinal cord, nerves, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Generally, the appearance of the myelomeningocele pouch is more common in the lower back, but may occur anywhere on the spine, causing the child to lose limb sensitivity and function below the site of the problem.
The myelomeningocele has no cure because, although it is possible to reduce the pocket with surgery, the lesions caused by the problem can not be completely reversed. Here's how the treatment is done: Treatment of myelomeningocele.
Myelomeningocele's Photos
Treatment for myelomeningocele
Treatment for myelomeningocele is usually done within the first 48 hours after birth with surgery to close the spine and protect the spinal cord, avoiding infection or serious injury that could endanger the baby's life.
In addition, most babies with myelomeningocele may also develop hydrocephalus, which is a problem in which there is excessive accumulation of fluid inside the skull, so it may be necessary to perform a new surgery to put a drainage system. Learn more at: Hydrocephalus has a cure.
After the surgery, the doctor may also recommend that the baby undergo physiotherapy soon after recovery to maintain joint amplitude and prevent muscle atrophy during growth.
Symptoms of myelomeningocele
The main symptom of myelomeningocele is the appearance of a pouch in the back in the baby, however, other signs include:
- Difficulty or lack of movement in the legs;
- Loss of sensitivity to heat or cold;
- Urinary and fecal incontinence;
- Malformations in the legs or feet.
Usually, the diagnosis of myelomeningocele is done by the pediatrician only with the observation of symptoms, however, it may be necessary, in some cases, to use other diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance, computed tomography or X-ray, for example.
Here's how the baby's preparation should be:
- When to MRI the Baby
