Meningomyelocele

Sondra M. De Antonio, MD, MD and John Francis Bertagnolli, DO Reviewed 05/2023

BASICS

Myelomeningocele is the most frequently occurring congenital anomaly of the central nervous system and leads to significant physical disabilities.

DESCRIPTION

Protrusion of a fluid-filled sac co...

DIAGNOSIS

Commonly detected by ultrasound during first or second trimester of pregnancy.

HISTORY

Usually occur as isolated incidents

PHYSICAL EXAM

Examination of an infant’s lower back reveals obvious m...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Pediatric specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedics, physiatry, urology, nursing, psychology, and social services are all necessary for a comprehensive integrated program of c...

ONGOING CARE

Periodic follow-up, usually every 6 months to assess

Head circumference (infants)
Ocular status
Developmental status
Motor status, including grasp strength in cooperative patients
Urologic an...

REFERENCES

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Folic acid to prevent neural tube defects: preventive medication. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/U...

CODES

ICD10

Q05.9 Spina bifida, unspecified
Q05.4 Unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalus
Q07.03 Arnold-Chiari syndrome with spina bifida and hydrocephalus
Q05.6 Thoracic spina bifida without hydrocep...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Maternal folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ supplementation prior to conception and through 1st trimester reduces risk.
A comprehensive integrated team of specialists provides optimal care.
Ante...

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