myelomeningocele, children…

Copy and paste into this window to access results from our Google index.

Medical experts recommend this detailed explanation.

[ Find Organization | Index Page ]

Relevant search terms and links to related topics…

spina bifida, spina bifida, degrees of severity, spina bifida, myelomeningocele, congenital disorder, birth defect, backbone, spinal canal, not close, birth, in the spinal cord, its covering membranes protruding, infant's back, myelomeningocele is one, the most common birth defects, the central nervous system, a neural tube defect, the bones, the spine, not completely form, spinal canal is incomplete, allows the spinal cord, meninges, membranes covering the spinal cord, to protrude out, the child's back, spina bifida includes any congenital defect involving insufficient closure, the spine, myelomeningocele accounts, 75% of all cases of spina bifida, affect, 1 out of every 800 infants, rest, the cases, most commonly spina bifida occulta, bones, the spine, not close, spinal cord, meninges remain in place, skin, covers the defect, meningoceles, meninges protrude, the vertebral defect but the spinal cord remains in place, myelomeningocele, folic acid deficiency is thought to play a part, neural tube defects, a child is born, myelomeningocele, subsequent children in that family have a higher risk than the general population, a viral cause, trigger has been theorized, higher incidence, the defect in children born, in the early winter months, research also indicates possible environmental factors radiation, protrusion, the spinal cord, meninges damages the spinal cord, nerve roots, causing a decrease, lack of function, body areas, controlled at, below the defect, related to, defect is on the spinal column, most defects occur, in the lower lumbar, sacral areas, the back, lowest areas, the back, area, the last part, the spine to close, symptoms include partial, complete paralysis, the legs, partial, complete lack of sensation, loss of bladder, bowel control, exposed spinal cord is susceptible to infection, meningitis, congenital disorders, in the child, disorders, the spinal cord, musculoskeletal system hydrocephalus, affect, 90% of children, myelomeningocele, syringomyelia, hip dislocation, similar disorders, visible sac-like protrusion on the mid to lower back of a newborn not translucent, a light is shone from behind the sac, weakness, the hips, legs, feet of a newborn, spina bifida occulta indicated, a tuft of hair, sacral area, back part, the pelvis, dimpling, the sacrum, myelomeningocele, visible defect, child is born, neurologic examination, indicate loss of neurologic functions below the defect, response, the infant to pinpricks at various locations, indicate the level where sensation is maintained, prenatal screening, first trimester, pregnant women, blood test, a triple screen, test screens, spina bifida, down syndrome, congenital diseases, in the baby, eighty-five percent of women carrying a fetus, spina bifida, elevated maternal serum alpha fetoprotein, the three proteins measured in this blood test, triple screen has a high false positive rate, positive, further testing is required to confirm the diagnosis, a prenatal ultrasound is then done, a reliable test, spina bifida, occasionally amniocentesis, the amniotic fluid, after birth, spine x-rays, reveal the exact extent, location, the defect, spine ultrasound, an abnormal spinal cord, spine, spine ct, spine mri scan, occasionally used, the location, extent, the defect, goals of initial treatment, to reduce the amount, neurologic damage, defect, to minimize complications infection, to aid the family in coping, the disorder, follow-up neurologic testing, the child gets older helps to guide rehabilitation, early surgical repair, the defect, surgical repair performed later, the infant to tolerate the procedure better, currently, centers attempting experimental in utero surgical repair of spina bifida, surgical repair, the defect the fetus is still developing, in the uterus, surgery, infant must be handled to reduce damage, exposed spinal cord, positioning, protective devices, modifications, in the methods of handling, feeding, bathing, caring, the infant, antibiotics, treat, prevent meningitis, urinary tract infections, infections, gentle downward pressure over the bladder, aid in drainage, the bladder, in severe cases, indwelling, intermittent bladder drainage catheters needed, a diet high in fiber, bowel training programs, improve bowel function, orthopedic intervention, physical therapy needed to treat musculoskeletal symptoms, neurologic losses, treated according, type, extent, the loss of function, goal of these interventions, minimize future disability, maximize functioning, surgical shunting, hydrocephalus causes, myelomeningocele to spontaneously reduce, normal growth, the child, cover the defect, counseling, support groups, spina bifida, support group, help families to cope, the disorder, genetic counseling recommended, cases where severe defect is detected early, in the pregnancy, therapeutic abortion considered, spina bifida association of america, 4590 macarthur boulervard, nw, suite 250, washington, dc 20007-4226, 800, 621-3141, sbaa, defect of myelomeningocele, surgically corrected, length of life is not severely affected, neurologic damage, irreversible, difficult delivery, problems subsequent to traumatic birth, cerebral palsy, decreased oxygen, brain, permanent disability, weakness, paralysis of legs, loss of bowel, bladder control, frequent urinary tract infections, meningitis, coexisting defects, hydrocephalus, defects, a protrusion is present on the spine of a newborn infant, health care provider child is late in walking, crawling, follow-up monitoring, ongoing, the child ages to assess extent of neurologic damage, symptoms of hydrocephalus include bulging soft spots, fontanelles, irritability, lethargy, difficulty feeding, symptoms of meningitis include fever, stiff neck, unwillingness to bend, move neck/head, irritability, a high-pitched cry, folic acid supplements effective at reducing the risk of neural tube defects myelomeningocele, folic acid, folate, deficiencies must be corrected, becoming pregnant, the defects develop very early, prospective mothers screened, serum folate level, recommended that any woman considering becoming pregnant take 0.4mg of folic acid a day, pregnant women need 1 mg per day.