Myelomeningocele (children)

Alternative names:

spina bifida

Symptoms:

• visible sac-like protrusion on the mid to lower back of a newborn
  • not translucent when a light is shone from behind the sac

• weakness of the hips, legs, or feet of a newborn

Spina bifida occulta may be indicated by:

• a tuft of hair at the sacral area (back part of the pelvis)
• dimpling of the sacrum

Signs and tests:

Myelomeningocele is a visible defect after the child is born. Neurologic examination may indicate loss of neurologic functions below the defect. For example, response of the infant to pinpricks at various locations may indicate the level where sensation is maintained.

Examination or tests may be used to locate or rule out other congenital disorders.

Before birth (prenatal screening):

• Amniocentesis (examination of the amniotic fluid) that reveals increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein may indicate problems with the spinal cord.
• A pregnancy ultrasound may reveal some cases of myelomeningocele.

After birth:

• Urinalysis and/or urine culture (clean catch) may be performed if signs of urinary tract infections develop.
• Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF culture) may indicate the presence of meningitis.
• Spine X-rays may reveal the exact extent and location of the defect.
• Spine CT or spine MRI scan are occasionally used to determine the location and extent of the defect.