Skip to main content

Difference between meningocele and myelomeningocele

Meningocele is a form of spina bifida in which a meningeal sac of cerebrospinal fluid protrudes through the skull while meningomyelocele is a congenital defect of the central nervous system of infants in which membranes and the spinal cord protrude through an opening or defect in the vertebral column. Let us have a deep insight into the difference between meningocele and myelomeningocele in this article.


What is Meningocele?

Meningocele is a type of spina bifida cystica characterized by the herniation of meninges through an abnormal opening in the backbone.


What is Myelomeningocele?

Myelomeningocele is a type of spina bifida cystica characterized by the herniation of spinal cord contents and meninges through an abnormal defect in the backbone.

Difference between Meningocele and Myelomeningocele : 

  • Meningocele occurs very rarely at the rate of one per 5000 live births worldwide whereas myelomeningocele can affect as many as 1 out of every 800 babies. 
  • Meningocele is present both along the spinal cord and skull while myelomeningocele is only present along the spinal cord. 
  • The posterior midline of the skull and the lumbosacral area is the most common location of meningocele and the lumbosacral area is the most common location of myelomeningocele. 
  • An investigation carried out to diagnose meningocele X-rays and MRI of the spine and skull MRI of the spine and skull whereas An investigation carried out to diagnose myelomeningocele X-rays and MRI of the spine only.
  • The screening test carried out to diagnose is the same in both cases such as Quadruple or Triple screen, Ultrasonography, Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein levels, and Amniocentesis.
  • The treatment for meningocele is surgical repair which can be carried out before or after the delivery of the baby while the surgical repair is the treatment of choice for myelomeningocele. 
  • Prenatal surgical options to treat is the same for both cases such as Open prenatal fetal surgery and Minimal invasive surgery. 
Now we can see the different types, clinical features with a comparison with both of them.

Types of meningocele : 

  • Frontoethmoidal meningocele
  • Nasofrontal meningocele
  • Sacral meningocele
  • Occipital meningocele
  • Nassorbital meningocele
  • Thoracic meningocele
  • Lumber meningocele
  • Encephalomeningocele

Type of myelomeningocele : 

  • Lumber myelomeningocele
  • Thoracic myelomeningocele
  • Lateral myelomeningocele
  • Anterior myelomeningocele
  • Sacral myelomeningocele
  • Posterior myelomeningocele

Clinical features of meningocele : 

  • Vision problem 
  • Seizures
  • A spastic weakness of all four limbs
  • Development of hydrocephalus characterized by headache, vomiting, urinary incontinence, macrocephaly
  • Uncoordinated muscle movements
  • Mental and growth retardation 
  • Delayed developmental milestones

Clinical features of myelomeningocele : 

  • Urinary retention 
  • Constipation 
  • Diarrhea
  • Scoliosis 
  • Hydrocephalus in 90% case
  • Poor coordination in walking 
  • Paralysis of lower limbs
  • Numbness of lower limbs
  • Urinary urgency and incontinence
  • An allergy to latex
  • Pain and heaviness in lower limbs
  • Loss of sensation in the perianal and genital area

Popular posts from this blog

Difference between vitamin d2 and d3

There are two forms of vitamin D one is vitamin D 2 and other is D 3 . Now we can see some difference between them. Difference between Vitamin D2 and D3 :  Vitamin D2 named ergocalciferol is commonly found in foods while vitamin D3 named cholecalciferol is commonly made by the body naturally when the skin is exposed to the sun. Vitamin D3 is more natural and easier for the body to absorb than D2. Most experts currently believe that the best form of vitamin D supplement to take is vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is more readily metabolized into a bioactive form of D that is easily converted to its hormone form in the kidneys. Vitamin D2 is broken down by the body into different substances and it can be very harmful to the body while vitamin D3 is broken down by the body into a substance called calcitriol, which actually has very important cancer-fighting properties. The D2 form of the vitamin has a shorter shelf life compared to the D3 form. You can get vitamin D from fortifie

What are the complicatios of piles?

Piles can be chronic and painful, but complications of piles are rare. Rarely, a thrombosed type of piles may rupture. If they do happen, they might include the following complications.  depending on their cause . Let us check out some complications of piles in this article.  The complications of piles include: Anemia:  They can deprive your red blood cells of oxygen if hemorrhoids bleed too much. This can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness as your body's supply of blood carries less oxygen. Prolapse: When you sit or pass a bowel movement, prolapsed hemorrhoids may cause pain or discomfort. Blood clots:  Thrombosis is more likely to be an actual hemorrhoid problem. Blood clots can cause discomfort and scratch increasingly unbearable. Hygienes: Piles cause complications associated with hygiene, as the anal area become difficult to clean after the defection. Several infections:  Bacteria may become bleeding hemorrhoids and infect the

Health benefits of Amla or Gooseberry

Amla is a powerhouse of nutrients which is popular for its many health benefits. Amla is extremely rich in Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, and Amino Acid. It helps to boost your immunity, metabolism and prevent viral and bacterial ailments. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, which means that it protects you against the harmful effect of free radicals, and slowing down the ageing process and is needed for collagen production hence keeping your hair and skin healthy. So you can take amla in your daily diet to stay healthy.  Why should Amla be included in your daily diet? It is good for your heart health.  It is good for your hair and skin.  It gives a boost to your immune power.  It reduces inflammation.  Amla is a rich source of fibre.  It is great for diabetes.  Slows down ageing.  Cure a sore throat.  Reduce blood sugar.  Highly digestive fibre.  Prevents the formation of gall bladder stones. Prevents ulcers.  Improve eyesight.  Purifies blood.  Strengthens bones.  Pr