Myelomeningocele

Myelomeningocele is a severe form of spina bifida, a neural tube defect characterized by herniation of spinal cord and meninges. Clinical features include motor and sensory deficits, bowel/bladder dysfunction, and hydrocephalus. Pathophysiology involves incomplete neural tube closure during embryogenesis. Diagnosis is prenatal via ultrasound or postnatal clinical evaluation. Management involves surgical repair, supportive care, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation; prognosis depends on lesion level and associated anomalies.