Prognosis and Prevention of Myelomeningocele
Prognosis and Prevention
PrognosisMyelomeningocele is compatible with prolonged life. Surgical correction is possible. Neurological damage may however be irreversible. Problems with the spinal cord may also arise during the growth spurt that the child goes through during puberty. Difficulties like scoliosis, foot or ankle deformities, dislocated hips, and joint tightness or contractures may ensue.
Prevention
Folic acid supplements may help to prevent neural tube defects like myelomeningocele. Usually 0.4 mg of folic acid a day is recommended to women planning to become pregnant. Pregnant women need 1mg of folic acid per day. Antenatal screening is also important. Genetic counseling may be recommended.
Support Groups
The following links have more information about spina bifida:
- www.spinabifidaassociation.org
- http://www.marchofdimes.com/
- www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/
spina_bifida/spina_bifida.htm
References:
- Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed.
- The Merck Manual
- Cohen AR, Robinson S: Myelomeningocele and myelocystocele. In Youmans Neurological surgery. Volume 2. 5th edition. Edited by Winn HR. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2003:3215-3228.
- Aubry MC, Aubry JP, Dommergues M: Sonographic prenatal diagnosis of central nervous system abnormalities.
- Child Nerv Syst 2003, 19:391-402. Publisher Full Text
- Boyd PA, Wellesley DG, De Walle HEK, Tenconi R, Garcia-Minaur S, Zandwijken GR, Stoll C, Clementi M: Evaluation of the prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects by fetal ultrasonographic examination in different centers across Europe. J of Medical Screening 2000, 7:169-174. Publisher Full Text
Cite this Article ⇣⇡
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
-
APA
Dr. Nithin Jayan. (2016, February 12). Prognosis and Prevention of Myelomeningocele. Medindia. Retrieved on Jan 04, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/myelomeningocele-prognosis-and-prevention.htm.
MLA
Dr. Nithin Jayan. "Prognosis and Prevention of Myelomeningocele". Medindia. Jan 04, 2025. <https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/myelomeningocele-prognosis-and-prevention.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Nithin Jayan. "Prognosis and Prevention of Myelomeningocele". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/myelomeningocele-prognosis-and-prevention.htm. (accessed Jan 04, 2025).
Harvard
Dr. Nithin Jayan. 2016. Prognosis and Prevention of Myelomeningocele. Medindia, viewed Jan 04, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/myelomeningocele-prognosis-and-prevention.htm.