Spina Bifida (Meningocele, Meningomyelocele)

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Spina Bifida (Meningocele, Meningomyelocele)

It is a congenital disease. It is when the spinal cord tissue in the spine in our back comes out and forms a sac on the baby’s back. Since the spinal cord is a nerve tissue that reaches directly to the brain, this problem causes major brain diseases: paralysis, hydrocephalus, walking problems, bowel and bladder problems. It is seen in an average of 3 out of every 1000 babies in our country.

Diagnosis

It is possible to diagnose the disease in the womb. A definitive diagnosis can be made with US and MRI imaging. When the perinatologist detects this problem, he directs the expectant mother to a neurosurgeon. If it was not possible to detect the condition in the womb, the baby is diagnosed with spina bifida at birth.

Types

Spina Bifida Occulta: It is the mildest course of the disease. It does not cause any symptoms. There is no sac that comes out of the body. It usually does not require surgical treatment.
Meningocele: There are no nerve cells in the sac that comes out of the body. This sac on the back is formed as a result of the herniation of the brain membrane surrounding the spinal cord.
Myelomeningocele: The spinal cord tissue that comes out of the body is completely open. It is the most common and severe type of spina bifida.

Why Does It Occur?

It is thought that the most important factor causing the disease is folic acid deficiency in the expectant mother. Spina bifida is a preventable problem in its current state. If the expectant mother starts taking folic acid supplements 3 months before pregnancy and continues to take the supplement during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, the risk of spina bifida in the child is significantly reduced.

Treatment

The treatment of spina bifida is surgery. Tissues that have come out of the body are placed where they should be – inside the spine – by the neurosurgeon. Early treatment minimizes the potential damage caused by the disease. The surgery must be performed in the first 48 hours after birth. After surgery, physical therapy may be applied to strengthen leg muscles and make walking easier.