See: Spina bifida resources

A myelomeningocele can usually be surgically corrected. With treatment, length of life is not severely affected. Neurological damage is often irreversible.

New problems within the spinal cord can develop later in life, especially after the child begins growing rapidly during puberty. This can lead to more loss of function as well as orthopedic problems such as scoliosis, foot or ankle deformities, dislocated hips, and joint tightness or contractures.

Many patients with myelomeningocele primarily use a wheelchair.

• Difficult delivery with problems resulting from a traumatic birth, including cerebral palsy and decreased oxygen to the brain
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Hydrocephalus
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Meningitis
• Permanent weakness or paralysis of legs

This list may not be all inclusive.

Call your health care provider if:

• A sac sticks out of the spine of a newborn infant.
• The child is late in walking or crawling
• Symptoms of hydrocephalus develop, including bulging soft spot, irritability, extreme sleepiness, and feeding difficulties
• Symptoms of menigitis develop, including fever, stiff neck, irritability, and a high-pitched cry

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Spina bifida

Spina bifida (degrees of severity)

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Review Date: 03/15/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine (11/2/2009).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)