What Is Myelomeningocele? Myelomeningocele (my-uh-lo-meh-NIN-guh-seal) is a type of spina bifida. Spina bifida (SPY-nuh BIF-ih-duh) happens when a baby's backbone (spine) does not form normally during pregnancy. The baby is born with a gap in the bones of the spine. A myelomeningocele is a sac that contains: part of the spinal cord its covering (called the meninges) spinal fluid It pushes through the gap in the spine and the skin. It can be seen on the baby's back. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Myelomeningocele? The signs and symptoms of a myelomeningocele depend on where it is. A myelomeningocele can lead to: weakness, loss of feeling, or trouble moving body parts below the level of the myelomeningocele problems with bladder (pee) and bowel (poop) control too much spinal fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus) problem with how the brain is formed (Chiari malformation) learning problems seizures Sometimes babies with a myelomeningocele are born with other medical problems like clubfoot, curvature of the spine, hip problems, heart problems, or kidney problems. What Are the Other Types of Spina Bifida? Other kinds of spina bifida include: Spina bifida occulta: This is a gap in the bones in the spine but the spinal cord and meninges do not push through it. They are in their normal place inside the spinal canal, and there's no opening on the baby's back. Meningocele: This is when a sac that contains spinal fluid pushes through the gap in the spine. The spinal cord is in its normal place in the spinal canal. The skin over the meningocele often is open. How Does a Myelomeningocele Happen? All types of spina bifida happen in the first month of pregnancy. At first, a fetus' spinal cord is flat. It then closes into a tube called a neural tube. If this tube does not fully close, the baby is born with spina bifida. In myelomeningocele, a sac containing part of the spinal cord, meninges, and spinal fluid push through the gap in the spine and the skin. What Causes a Myelomeningocele? Doctors don't know exactly why some babies get a myelomeningocele. It can happen if a woman does not get enough of the vitamin folic acid early in her pregnancy. A woman also might be more likely to have a baby with a myelomeningocele if she: takes certain seizure medicines during pregnancy already has had a baby with spina bifida has diabetes How Is Myelomeningocele Diagnosed? During pregnancy, a blood test called alpha feta protein (AFP) can tell if a woman has a higher risk of having a baby with a myelomeningocele. A prenatal ultrasound or fetal MRI can show whether a baby has one. A myelomeningocele that's not diagnosed during pregnancy is seen when the baby is born. How Is Myelomeningocele Treated? After delivery, a baby born with a myelomeningocele will need: surgery to close the skin over the myelomeningocele (usually within 3 days) testing for Chiari malformation and hydrocephalus with an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI regular checks of head size to see if hydrocephalus develops regular checks of movements to see how the spinal cord and nerves are working Other medical care will depend on a child's needs. Treatments can include: a shunt for hydrocephalus (the shunt drains the spinal fluid into the belly so it doesn't build up) leg braces to help walking a wheelchair a tube (called a catheter) to help empty the bladder surgery on the spine or legs surgery for Chiari malformations physical therapy (PT) occupational therapy (OT) special help at school Some myelomeningoceles found before birth are treated with surgery while the baby is still in the womb. Sometimes this can lower the chances of the baby getting hydrocephalus later. And it might increase the strength of the child's legs. There are risks to the mom and baby from this surgery, so doctors and families have to decide together if the surgery is right for them. What Can Parents Do? Most children with myelomeningocele will need ongoing medical care. To help your child stay as healthy as possible: Take your child to all medical appointments. Follow all treatment recommendations, such as giving medicines and going to PT and OT. Call your doctor right away if your child has: new weakness worsening bladder or bowel control headaches vomiting tiredness back pain or pain at the myelomeningocele site neck pain, trouble swallowing, or voice changes Having a child with a serious medical condition can feel overwhelming for any family. But you don't have to go it alone. Talk to anyone on the care team about ways to find support. You also can visit online sites for more information and support, such as: Spina Bifida Association Spina Bifida Resource Network Back to Articles Related Articles Spina Bifida Occulta In spina bifida occulta, a baby is born with a gap in the spine's bones, but the spinal cord and its covering do not push through it. Read More Chiari I Malformation Many kids with this brain condition aren't bothered by it. Those who have symptoms can often find relief with medicines or surgery. Read More Hydrocephalus Often called "water on the brain," hydrocephalus can cause babies' and young children's heads to swell to make room for excess cerebrospinal fluid. Learn how this condition is managed. Read More Spina Bifida Factsheet (for Schools) What teachers should know about spina bifida, and how to help students with the birth defect do their best in school. Read More Folic Acid and Pregnancy One of the most important things you can do to help prevent serious birth defects in your baby is to get enough folic acid every day - especially before conception and during early pregnancy. Read More Birth Defects Some birth defects are minor and cause no problems; others cause major disabilities. Learn about the different types of birth defects, and how to help prevent them. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. 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