Meningokel, a rare Neural Tube Abnormalities

Meningokel, a rare Neural Tube Abnormalities

On the back there is little one large lump contains fluid? It could be that it is meningokel. Meningokel is its prominent membranes covering the spinal cord and the nerves of the spine. Abnormalities in the formation of the spine is caused by neural tube end closing it failed when the little one is still tangible in the embryo in the womb.

Meningokel is part of the formation of the neural tube disorder in a fetus or spina bifida. SAC or cyst meningokel emerged through a crack in the spine. This bulge is filled by some membranes of the spine and spinal fluid. In addition to affecting the appearance of the little spine, meningokel can also affect the nerves in the vicinity.

Early detection of meningokel can be done before the little one was born. When the mother enters the weeks gestational age to 15 – 20, doctors can do ULTRASOUND examinations to monitor fetal development and detect whether there are abnormalities in the formation of the neural tube. For more accurate results, doctors can conduct genetic examinations by taking a sample of amniotic fluid to see if there is a congenital abnormalities in the fetus.

Remove Meningokel

So the little one was diagnosed with meningokel, most likely the doctor will schedule the surgery as soon as possible. The initial surgery can prevent the occurrence of infection, swelling, and further damage the spinal cord, and nerves of the little one. If the nerves and spinal cord are already flawed or damaged, surgery can't fix it.

Meningokel handling operations are performed in a way to make incisions on the SAC or cyst that appears, in order to drain off the liquid in it. During the process of surgery is done, the little one is under the influence of anesthesia or general anesthesia in order to fall asleep and not experiencing pain.

After surgery, the grassroots are given antibiotics by doctors to prevent infection. In addition, he also had to be hospitalized for about 2 weeks. Any doctor will likely run additional tests, such as ULTRASOUND or MRI. The test is done to ensure the wound heal with normal operations and to monitor whether there is a build-up of fluid in the head or Hydrocephalus. This condition may occur after surgery meningokel.

Other risks that can arise after surgery of which is an infection or inflammation of the spinal cord, and nerve disorders like weakness to paralysis of muscles. However, meningokel does not usually damage nerve tissue. Therefore, the operation could be run smoothly and managed properly if this condition is handled from the beginning.

Meningokel and folic acid

The risk of the little one suffered meningokel and all kinds of neural tube disorders (spina bifida), can be reduced even prevented if Mothers consumed sufficient folic acid during pregnancy. Mothers are advised to start taking folic acid supplements around 400 micrograms per day as soon as the mother decide to want to have children, or at least one month before getting pregnant. Folic acid must remain consumed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Folic acid can be obtained from supplements or food. Foods that contain folic acid include asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, eggs, grilled salmon, citrus fruits, bread, lentils, beans, legumes, grains, avocado, and spinach.

Folic acid is a water-soluble nutrients. So, if you want to get the optimal folic acid content, it is advisable to steaming (not boil) foods containing folic acid. Cooking any food not too long because it can destroy folic acid in it.

To avoid meningokel, the pregnant women are also advised to do routine checks of the pregnancy to the doctor. Ask also what other risk factors that can increase the occurrence of meningokel in infants, so that it can be avoided.