The treatment for myelomeningocele is started about 48 hours after the baby's birth with surgery to correct the spine, preventing the onset of infections or new lesions in the spinal cord.
Although treatment for myelomeningocele with surgery is effective in curing the spinal cord injury, it is not able to treat the injuries that the baby presents from birth, such as paralysis or incontinence, for example.
In addition, most babies with myelomeningocele may also develop hydrocephalus, which is a problem that causes excessive accumulation of fluid inside the skull, so it may be necessary to have a new surgery after the first year of life to put a system that helps drain fluids to other parts of the body. Learn more at: Hydrocephalus has a cure.
Physiotherapy for myelomeningocele
Physiotherapy for myelomeningocele should be done during the process of growth and development of the baby to maintain joint amplitude and prevent muscle atrophy.
In addition, physiotherapy is also a great way to encourage your child to deal with their limitations, such as paralysis, allowing them to live independently, by using crutches or wheelchairs, for example.
When to go to the doctor
After the baby is discharged from the hospital it is important to go to the doctor when symptoms such as:
- Fever above 38ºC;
- Lack of will to play and apathy;
- Redness at the surgery site;
- Decreased strength in unaffected limbs;
- Frequent vomiting;
- Moleira dilatada.
These symptoms can indicate serious complications such as infection or hydrocephalus, so it is important to go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
