What is the treatment for myelomeningocele?

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Myelomeningocele requires surgery to close the opening in the baby’s back within 72 hours of birth. Performing the surgery early can help minimize the risk of infection associated with the exposed nerves. It may also help protect the spinal cord from more trauma.

What does myelomeningocele mean in medical terms?

Spina bifida (myelomeningocele) Myelomeningocele is a severe type of spina bifida in which the membranes and the spinal nerves protrude at birth, forming a sac on the baby’s back. The exposed nervous system may become infected, so prompt surgery is needed after birth.

Can myelomeningocele be corrected?

Myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, generally requires surgery to correct the spinal defect and prevent infections, further injury or trauma to the exposed spinal cord and nerves.

What are the latest treatment options for spina bifida?

Spina bifida treatment. The two main spina bifida treatment options are fetal surgery during pregnancy or surgery on the baby right after birth.

Do you cover myelomeningocele?

There is no skin covering the defect. This type of defect happens in about 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies. Taking folic acid (vitamin B9) before pregnancy has reduced the frequency of this birth defect.

What are the symptoms of myelomeningocele?

Symptoms of Myelomeningocele

Problems moving parts of the body below the opening in the back.
Lack of sensation in their legs and feet.
Poor or no bowel and bladder control.
Twisted or abnormal legs and feet; for example, clubfoot.
Too much cerebrospinal fluid in the head (hydrocephalus)

Which problem is most often associated with myelomeningocele?

Scoliosis in children with myelomeningocele most often results from a lack of neuromuscular control — weak trunk muscles that cannot support the spine. This kind of scoliosis may be associated with what is called tethering of the spinal cord.

Do you cover a myelomeningocele?

Can a baby with myelomeningocele walk?

Background and Purpose: Infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) have difficulty with, and show delays in, acquiring functional skills, such as walking. This study examined whether infants with MMC will respond to treadmill practice by producing stepping patterns or at least motor activity during the first year after birth.