Myelomeningocele is the most severe type of spina bifida, in which the bones of the baby’s spine do not develop properly during pregnancy, which causes a bag to appear on the back of the baby containing the spinal cord, nerves, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Generally, the appearance of the myelomeningocele bag is more common in the lower back, but it can appear anywhere in the spine, making the child lose the sensitivity and function of the limbs under the problem site.
- Myelomeningocele is not cured because.
- Although it is possible to reduce the bag by surgery.
- Injuries caused by the problem cannot be completely reversed.
Myelomeningocele treatment is usually done within 48 hours of birth by performing surgery to close the spine and protect the spinal cord, avoiding serious infections or injuries that can endanger the baby’s life.
In addition, most babies with myelomeningocele may also develop hydrocephalus, a problem where there is an excessive buildup of fluid inside the skull and therefore additional surgery may be needed to place a drainage system.Understand what hydrocephalus is.
After surgery, your doctor may also recommend that your baby undergo physical therapy shortly after recovery to maintain joint amplitude and prevent muscle atrophy during growth.Learn more about myelomeningocele treatment.
The main symptom of myelomeningocele is the appearance of a bag on the baby’s back, however, other signs include:
Diagnosis of myelomeningocele is usually made at birth with the observation of the bag on the baby’s back.In addition, your doctor usually requests neurological exams to check for nerve damage.
The cause of myelomeningocele is not yet well established, but is believed to be the result of genetic and environmental factors, and is usually related to a history of spinal malformations in the family or folic acid deficiency.
In addition, women who have used certain anti-seizure medications during pregnancy or who have diabetes, for example, are more likely to develop myelomeningocele.
To prevent myelomeningocele, it is important for pregnant women to supplement folic acid before and during pregnancy, as in addition to preventing myelomeningocele, it prevents preterm births and preeclampsia, for example, to find out how folic acid supplementation should be done during pregnancy.