What is the underlying pathophysiology of myelomeningocele?

What is the underlying pathophysiology of myelomeningocele?

Myelomeningocele results from failed closure of the caudal end of the neural tube, resulting in an open lesion or sac that contains dysplastic spinal cord, nerve roots, meninges, vertebral bodies, and skin (see the image below).

What is myelomeningocele associated with?

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.

Does myelomeningocele cause paralysis?

In many cases of myelomeningocele, infants and children have sensation loss, paralysis, and bowel and bladder problems. The paralysis can lead to deformities of the legs, feet, and back. Many children with myelomeningocele develop more severe deformities of the spine, such as scoliosis.

How do I fix myelomeningocele?

During surgery, the doctor makes an incision across the mother’s abdomen and opens the uterus. The neurosurgeon removes the myelomeningocele sac, if one is present, and repairs the spinal defect in layers before closing the skin to protect the spinal cord from exposure to amniotic fluid.

What causes myelomeningocele?

The cause of myelomeningocele is not known. However, low levels of folic acid in a woman’s body before and during early pregnancy appear to play a part in this type of birth defect. Folic acid (or folate) is important for development of brain and spinal cord.

What is a myelomeningocele repair?

Myelomeningocele repair, also known as fetal spina bifida repair, is a surgery to close the spinal defect during pregnancy. It is typically performed between 19 and 26 weeks gestation.

Can you live a normal life with spina bifida?

Because of today’s medicine, about 90% of babies born with Spina Bifida now live to be adults, about 80% have normal intelligence and about 75% play sports and do other fun activities.”

What kind of medical condition is Myelomeningocele?

Myelomeningocele, also known as spina bifida cystica, is a complex congenital spinal anomaly that results in spinal cord malformation (myelodysplasia).

What kind of defect is terminal myelocystocele?

Terminal myelocystocele is a skin-covered neural tube defect: a localized dilation of the spinal cord central canal herniates through a dorsal spinal defect, creating an ependyma-lined sac.

Where does a sacrococcygeal teratoma develop on the spine?

Sacrococcygeal teratomas are rare tumors that develop at the base of the spine by the tailbone (coccyx) known as the sacrococcygeal region.

What are the different types of perinatal sacrococcygeal masses?

The differential diagnosis for perinatal sacrococcygeal masses is vast, including meningocele, myelomeningocele, myelocystocele, teratoma, lipoma, hamartoma, lymphangioma, hemangioma, chordoma, and ependymoma.

Back To Top