|
|
|
| Question : |
I have a son born on 5th May 2004, who is having hydrocephalus with meningomyelocele (leaking) at the lumbar region. The baby has incontinence of bowel & bladder. Both the lower limbs are spastic (but some movements are there). No treatment could be started except for the regular dressing of meningomyelocele as doctors suggested a very poor outcome at that time. The meningomyelocele which was leaking at the time of birth has gradually healed in 1.5 months & as of now there is no leakage. The head circumference which was 36.5cm at the time of birth has now become 45cm. The child has become weak even though it is taking feeds properly. Now in the current scenario, a neurosurgeon has suggested to go in for a shunt surgery & we are in the process of carrying out investigations(CT Scan, Blood & Urine tests, etc.) for the same. Are we moving in the right direction? What is the most likely outcome in such cases? Is there any other remedy? Please help if you can as we are going through a very difficult phase of tremendous mental tension. |
Answer |
Since the head circumference has increased in size tremendously, it suggests that the hydrocephalus is increasing. Please remember that patients with meningomyelocele have normal intelligence until and unless the hydrocpehalus is too large and causes cerebral atrophy. The child needs to be shunted if the hydrocephalus is large and causing pressure effect on the brain. For further information on the condition read the article on "SPINA BIFIDA" for further information.
http://www.pediatriconcall.com/forpatients/commonchild/spina_patient.asp |
|
|
|
