A meningocele is a birth defect (neural tube defect) that causes protrusion of a sac (filled with spinal fluid) from the spinal column. The sac may be covered with skin or with meninges and is often visible from the outside of the back.
Causes and risk factors
Although the exact cause of meningocele is not known, but studies have revealed that low levels of folic acid, vitamin C and riboflavin during early pregnancy (first trimester) can cause neural defects.
Along with these, following risk factors increases the chances of its development:
Exposure to teratogens, tryptan blue or arsenic
Folic acid deficiency
Family history of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
Some viral infections like rubella or cytomegalovirus, etc.
Diabetes
besity
Smoking
Symptoms of Meningocele
The symptoms depend upon the size and location of bulge on the spine. Although meningocele causes little nerve damage, but it may cause minor disabilities like:
Development of hydrocephalous
Involuntary and uncoordinated movements
Spastic weakness of all four limbs
An abnormally small sized head
Trouble with bladder control
Delayed developmental milestones
Numbness
Vision problems
Mental and growth retardation
Seizures
Diagnosis of Meningocele
Meningocele should typically be diagnosed before birth by following diagnostic technologies during prenatal period of the pregnant lady:
Ultrasound
Amniocentesis
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screenings in the second trimester
Multiple-marking screening tests
But in cases where it’s not spotted until after birth, following tests are performed to diagnose meningocele:
X-ray
CT scan
MRI scan
Genetic analysis
Treatment of Meningocele
The treatment of the meningocele involves closing of the overlying meninges and the skin by surgery within 24-48 hours after delivery to prevent infection and to protect the exposed area of the spine.
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) is a minimally invasive technique that is used to treat meningocele at the skull base and top of the spine. The procedure does not require an open incision and surgeon can remove the meningocele through the nose and nasal cavities.
Follow up care including rehabilitation is generally required for every child having meningocele.
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