What is Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele?

Spina bifida myelomeningocele is the most complicated and serious type of spina bifida. Spina bifida myelomeningocele typically involves neurological problems that may be very severe or even life-threatening. A portion of the spinal cord and the nerves that come from the cord are exposed and observable on the outside of the body. Or, if there is a cyst, it encloses part of the spinal cord and the nerves. This condition, which was first documented 4000 years ago, accounts for 94% of cases of true spina bifida.

Typically, during the first month of a pregnancy, the two sides of the fuse together to encapsulate the spinal cord, spinal nerves and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord). Spina bifida is the term used to describe any birth defect involving incomplete closure of the spine.

Spina bifida myelomeningocele is the most common form of spina bifida. It is a neural tube defect where the bones of the spine don't entirely form, resulting in an unfinished spinal canal. This results in the spinal cord and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord) sticking out of the infant's back.Myelomeningocele could possibly affect as many as 1 in 800 infants.

The rest of spina bifida cases are most commonly:

• Spina bifida occulta - a disorder in which the bones of the spine do not close but the spinal cord and meninges remain in place and skin typically covers the fault
• Meningoceles, a defect where the tissue covering the spinal cord protrudes from the spinal defect but the spinal cord remains intact.

Children with myelomeningocele may also have other congenital birth defects. Hydrocephalus can possibly affect as many as 90% of children with myelomeningocele. Other defects of the spinal cord or musculoskeletal system have been observed, such as syringomyelia and hip dislocation.The exact cause of myelomeningocele is unclear. However, low levels of folic acid in a woman's body before and during early pregnancy is believed to play a role in this type of birth defect. The vitamin folic acid is critical for brain and spinal cord development.

Also, if a woman gives birth to a child with myelomeningocele, her future children will have a higher risk of also having myelomeningocele than the general population. However, in many cases, there isn't a family connection. Some experts hypothesize that a virus could play a role, since there is a higher rate of myelomeningocele in children born in the early winter months. Research also indicates possible environmental factors such as radiation or use of prescription drugs such as Depakote, Topamax, or Tegretol during all or part of pregnancy.

Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele Symptoms

A recently born infant may have a sack protruding from their mid to lower back.  Some potential spina bifida myelomeningocele symptoms may include:

• Weakness of the hips, legs, or feet of a newborn
• Partial or complete lack of sensation
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Partial or complete paralysis of the legs
• Dimpling of the sacral area
• Build up of fluid inside the skull (hydrocephalus)
• Abnormal feet or legs, such as clubfoot
• Hair at the back part of the pelvis called the sacral area

Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele Treatment
 
Once a child is born with spina bifida myelomeningocele, a repair surgery is typically recommended soon after birth. Prior to surgery, the baby must be handled carefully to minimize damage to the exposed portion of the spinal cord. This can include special care and positioning, protective devices, and changes in the techniques of handling, feeding, and bathing.
Infants who also have hydrocephalus might require a ventricular peritoneal shunt to be placed in their body. This will help drain the extra fluid.

A majority children will need lifelong treatment for issues that result from damage to the spinal cord and spinal nerves. This includes: Gentle downward pressure over the bladder may help drain the bladder. In severe cases, drainage tubes, called catheters, may be needed. Bowel training programs and a high fiber diet may improve bowel function, Orthopedic or physical therapy may be needed to treat musculoskeletal symptoms. Braces may be needed for muscle and joint problems and Neurological losses are treated according to the type and severity of function loss.Follow-up examinations will generally continue throughout the patient's life. These are done to monitor the patient's development and to treat any intellectual, neurological, or physical problems.

Depakote Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child's Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele? Did it happen during pregnancy? The following medications may be linked to causing the development of Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele of unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took them while pregnant:

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Depakote, Tegretol, and Topamax cases. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney's fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.

Can Depakote, Topamax or Tegretol Cause Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele ?

In a 2006 medical study published in the Journal of Neurology the commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs like Depakote present a higher risk of developing neural tube defects in the feus (unborn baby). Such neural tube defects include Spina Bifida Occulta, Spina Bifida Meningocele and Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele.  The results of a 2010 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine did not contradict those findings. The harmful birth defects associated with Valproic Acid have also been noted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA issued a warning about medicines containing or derived from Valproic Acid in 2006. ( See FDA DEPAKOTE WARNING)