Is Myelomeningocele the same as spina bifida?

When people talk about spina bifida, most often they are referring to myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged.

What is the difference between meningocele and myelomeningocele?

Meningocele typically causes mild problems, with a sac of fluid present at the gap in the spine. Myelomeningocele, also known as open spina bifida, is the most severe form.

Can spina bifida be seen on xray?

X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to create images of the inside of the body. They provide a clear view of the bones in a baby’s spine and can confirm the location of a spina bifida lesion.

What does spina bifida look like on a scan?

Open spina bifida, is usually detected at the antenatal mid-term ultrasound (20 week) scan. The appearance of the skull bones and cerebellum – part of the back of the brain – show distinct signs that lead the sonographer to look for tiny changes in the spine.

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.

Is myelomeningocele curable?

Currently, there is no cure for spina bifida, but there are a number of treatments available to help manage the disease and prevent complications. In some cases, if diagnosed before birth, the baby can undergo surgery while still in the womb in an effort to repair or minimize the spinal defect.

Can myelomeningocele be cured?

Most cases of myelomeningocele are treated surgically with a repair soon after birth. In some cases, the repair is done while still in the womb prior to delivery. Children that have hydrocephalus will likely require surgery to decrease fluid on the brain (VP shunt).

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.

How does spina bifida affect a child development?

Children with spina bifida can develop sores, calluses, blisters, and burns on their feet, ankles, and hips. However, they might not know when these develop because they might not be able to feel certain parts of their body. In addition, toddlers might not know how to tell their parents about issues with their skin.

Can babies with spina bifida move their legs in the womb?

In human beings, ultrasound examinations of babies with large spina bifida lesions early in pregnancy show that their legs move normally, whereas later in pregnancy leg movements are lost. By correcting the lesion in time, leg function can be preserved.

Is spina bifida myelomeningocele painful?

Adults with Spina Bifida and specifically Spina Bifida Occulta often experience pain.