While the prognosis of patients with spinal bifida depends on the number of abnormalities and their severity, most children will have normal intelligence and be able to walk with the aid of assistive devices. Children with complete paralysis, hydrocephalus, or other congenital defects have the worst prognosis. However, the prognosis of patients with spinal bifida can be improved with proper care and monitoring.
Meningocele
Children with myelomeningocele and spinal bifessa may suffer from hydrocephalus or abnormal brain development. Surgical procedures, such as a shunt, can relieve hydrocephalus. But there are other complications associated with the condition, including bladder and bowel dysfunction. In addition to these problems, the condition can cause significant morbidity and lower quality of life.
When the herniated mass is pushed out through a vertebral arch defect, meningocele is the result. In spinal bifida, the protruding mass is made up of vascularized stromal tissue and thick meninges. It is not visible from the outside but can affect bowel and bladder function. This condition may be permanent, but it is highly treatable.
The more severe form of spina bifida is called myelomeningocele. In this condition, the spinal cord and nearby nerves protrude through the gap in the spine. The cord and nerves may become damaged, causing paralysis or life-threatening infections. The condition can be treated surgically by tucking the spinal cord and nerves back into the spine. The surgery also prevents new nerve damage from developing.
Spina bifida and myelomeningocele are similar in their causes, but have different prognoses. The meninges protrude through the backbone and the spine. Spinal bifida occulta is the mildest of the two. Both can affect a child's development. If the defect is not repaired or removed, the child may experience neurological damage.
Spina bifida is a group of developmental disorders that occurs in the baby's spinal column. These disorders result in the protrusion of the meninges from the vertebral canal during early development. The term "neural tube defect" is also used to refer to anencephaly, a condition where the brain protrudes from the developing skull.
Tethered cord syndrome
Children with tethered cord syndrome will likely need yearly follow-up appointments with their neurosurgeon. The extent of tethering will determine the type of follow-up care that will be needed. Follow-up may include physical therapy or occupational therapy, or it may be as necessary, depending on the symptoms that the child has. Tethered cord syndrome can cause problems with bladder or bowel control, pain in the legs, and difficulty standing. Neurosurgeons may recommend a procedure called spinal fusion to repair a thickened filum, which is a solid union of the vertebrae.
There are many causes of tethered cord syndrome in children, but the most common are myelomeningoceles and lipomyeloma. In some cases, a birth defect like diastematomyelia can cause the cord to be stuck in a position that makes it difficult to move normally. Regardless of the cause, tethered cord syndrome can be a painful and disabling condition that requires medical treatment.
In addition to neurologic complications, tethered cord syndrome may lead to progressive neurological problems. Surgical intervention for tethered cord syndrome is an option for patients with progressive neurological symptoms. The outcome of surgery depends on the mechanical cause of the problem and the presenting symptoms. If surgical treatment is necessary, the prognosis is better in children than in adults. A surgical procedure can be beneficial for a large majority of patients.
This disorder may be delayed or not present symptoms until the child is an adult. This is due to the time it takes for the body to heal from a spinal cord injury. As a result, scar tissue and excessive fluid pressure can cause further tethering of the cord. Additionally, a patient's neck can become inflamed with scar tissue and can result in painful symptoms.
Many cases of tethered cord syndrome are developmental in nature. They result from excess fibrous connective tissue in the filum terminale, the strand of tissue that bridges the spinal cord tip to the tailbone. A defective closure of the neural tube during embryonic development leads to the formation of inelastic structures in the child. This condition is not genetic in nature and can occur in anyone.
Meningocele causes wandering eye
There are several different forms of spinal bifida. Most of these have minimal symptoms, but severe cases can result in the inability to control one's bladder or move their eyes. The most severe form of spinal bifida, Myelomeningocele, is usually repaired within 24 hours of birth. Surgery for this disorder is usually performed to preserve spinal nerve function. The less common form of Spina Bifida, or occulta, can go undetected until the baby is an adult.
The most common form of spinal bifida is myelomeningocele, in which the neural tissue and meninges herniate through the opening in the spine. This type of spinal bifida can cause minor neurological sequelae, such as the wandering eye. The most serious form of Spina Bifida, however, can cause paralysis and severe neurological symptoms.
In severe cases, a pouch on the back contains a large quantity of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid can lead to changes in a child's ability to move, control their bowel, and experience sexual function. Associated diagnoses of Myelomeningocele include hydrocephalus and epilepsy. As with all myelomeningocele, a diagnosis of this condition should be made by a medical professional.
Achondroplasia is another form of eye movement disorder. Symptoms range from limited vertical eye movement to limitations in horizontal eye movement. It also affects the musculoskeletal system and genitourinary tract. When the condition occurs in a child with this disorder, the eyeball may retract into the orbit or diverge to one side. It may even cause abnormal asymmetry in the eyes.
Treatments
Spina bifida is a disorder of the spine that affects nerves below the opening in the back. It may leave children with limited use of their legs, or paralyze them completely. Treatments for spinal bifida vary, depending on the cause and the severity of symptoms. Some people may need leg braces or a wheelchair to move around, while others may need surgery to correct nerve damage or reduce pressure.
People with this condition often have problems controlling when they need to go to the toilet and may suffer from urinary tract infections. Developing a bathroom plan that is easy to follow can improve health and independence, and can decrease embarrassment. For example, a catheter can be used to drain urine or a faecal or urinary bag can be inserted into the bladder to help the individual achieve complete bowel emptying. For other cases, a surgical procedure or injections can be used to preserve kidney function.
If you are experiencing symptoms, you may be able to avoid surgery. In some cases, your physician may recommend a shunt. This drains excess fluid from the brain and protects the developing brain from pressure. A shunt may be necessary in some cases if the shunt becomes clogged or infected. Depending on your child's age, other treatments may be necessary.
Spinal bifida can affect people of all ages. The most severe form is called myelomeningocele. The spinal cord is not formed completely during development, so a sac of spinal fluid can form in its place. The sac contains spinal nerves and meninges. Because of this, people with myelomeningocele often suffer from severe physical disabilities. Eighty percent of those with spinal bifida suffer from severe nerve damage.
There are no known cures for spina bifida, but treatment for this disorder focuses on prevention and minimizing the disability. The medical team will use rehabilitation methods and appropriate interventions to manage symptoms and maintain a child's overall health. Children with spina bifida will typically benefit from a comprehensive approach, involving physical therapy, neurosurgery, orthotics, and nutrition.
