A meningocele — a type of neural tube defect that is a form of spina bifida — is a congenital condition that is present at birth and occurs when a baby's spinal cord fails to develop properly.
A meningocele causes a sac that contains spinal fluid to stick out from the baby’s spinal column. The sac may be covered by skin or the membranes that cover the spinal cord, called the meninges, and can sometimes be visible through the skin.
To close meningoceles at the skull base or top of the spine, UPMC surgeons may use the minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). This innovative, minimally invasive technique uses the nose and nasal cavities as natural corridors to access hard-to-reach or previously inoperable tumors or lesions. Benefits of EEA include no incisions, no disfigurement, and a faster recovery time. For closing meningoceles lower in the spine, our specialists use minimally invasive spine surgery techniques.
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What Is Meningocele?
A meningocele — a type of neural tube defect that is a form of spina bifida — is a congenital condition that is present at birth and occurs when a baby's spinal cord fails to develop properly.
A meningocele causes a sac that contains spinal fluid to stick out from the baby’s spinal column. The sac may be covered by skin or the membranes that cover the spinal cord called the meninges and is sometimes visible through the skin.
How common is meningocele?
Meningoceles are neural tube defects that are a form of spina bifida. Meningocele is the least common type of spina bifida. Spina bifida occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 births.
What causes meningocele?
Researchers aren’t sure what causes meningocele. However, the condition has been linked to genetic factors, as well as maternal health and environmental exposures.
Meningocele risk factors
Risk factors for meningocele include:
- Family history.
- Inadequate folic acid intake during early pregnancy.
- Maternal diabetes.
- Maternal obesity.
- Seizure medications.
Complications of meningocele
If left untreated, complications of meningocele may include:
- Damage to the exposed area of the spine.
- Infection.
How can I prevent meningocele?
Taking folic acid supplements during early pregnancy under the supervision of your doctor may reduce your baby’s risk of developing neural tube defects, spina bifida, or meningocele. You should talk to your doctor if you take seizure medications and are planning to become pregnant. You should also take steps to manage your weight and chronic conditions, such as diabetes, before becoming pregnant.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Meningocele?
The main symptom of a meningocele is a sac that contains spinal fluid sticking out from the baby’s spinal column. The sac may be visible on ultrasound before birth.
When should I see a doctor about my child’s meningocele symptoms?
If your child has a meningocele, it will typically be diagnosed before birth. Surgery is usually performed within a few days of birth to treat the condition. If your child has symptoms that you notice after birth, schedule an appointment with their doctor right away.
How Do You Diagnose Meningocele?
Meningoceles are typically diagnosed before birth using imaging or other diagnostic tests.
Tests to diagnose meningocele
Tests to diagnose meningocele include:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screenings in the second trimester — Often a part of multiple marker screening tests, these blood tests assess the risk for neural tube defects and other conditions.
- Amniocentesis — A prenatal test that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid to diagnose abnormalities in an unborn baby.
- Prenatal ultrasound — A test to check for problems and assess development of an unborn baby.
Meningocele prognosis
With surgical treatment, most babies who are born with meningocele have no additional problems with their brain, nerves, or muscles.
What are the long-term effects of meningocele?
Most babies who are diagnosed with meningocele experience no long-term effects after surgical repair.
How Do You Treat Meningocele?
Treating a meningocele involves closing the overlying meninges and the skin. Surgery is typically performed within one to two days of birth and is necessary to prevent infection and protect the exposed area of the spine. Surgical treatment approaches may include:
Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA)
Meningoceles at the skull base and top of the spine can be treated using the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). This state-of-the-art, minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to access the affected area through the natural corridor of the nose, without making an open incision. Surgeons then treat the meningoceles through the nose and nasal cavities. EEA offers the benefits of no incisions, no disfigurement, and a faster recovery time.
EEA has proven safe and effective in children. More than 100 children have been treated by UPMC skull base surgeons using EEA — more than at any other neurosurgery center in the world.
Minimally invasive spine surgery
For meningoceles in the lower spine, UPMC spine specialists use minimally invasive spine surgery techniques to close the sac.
Why Choose UPMC for Meningocele Care?
When you choose UPMC for meningocele care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class neurosurgery expertise —Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of skull base and neurosurgical conditions using the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer nonsurgical care and noninvasive, minimally invasive, and traditional open surgical procedures. This allows us to effectively treat all types of disorders while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — Our neurosurgeons partner with neurologists, pediatricians, pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric orthopaedists, rehabilitation specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
