prenatal ultrasounds

[lrllnd1]

Hi, Can a prenatal ultrasound determine if a baby with open SB has Meningocele of Myelomeningocele? Or is it impossible to tell the type of SB until the baby is born? My Doctor says there apears to be only fluid in the sac at the lesion no nerve tissue? Is Mylomeningocele the most common type of open SB?

Thanks

[Lisa Joy]

Myelomeningocele is the most common form of sb and, generally speaking, the most severe (but there is huge variation from case to case). Meningocele is usually associated with less neurological involvement and a lower likelihood of hydrocephalus (again, just generally speaking).

I have no idea whether an ultrasound can give that much detail -- but you should take heart in the fact that most physicians are quite risk averse and unlikely to get your hopes up unless they feel pretty confident.

Basically, you just won't know anything for sure until the baby arrives. All you can do is be prepared and hope for the best!

We are here for you!

[lrllnd1]

Thanks. I think the worst part is just not knowing which type and exactly what problems my baby will be faced with. I have to go to another province (Nova Scotia)just to have the baby. The hospital is the IWK it is a childrens hospital where they have a pediatric neurosurgoen since they only see around one case a year at my regular hospital they recommend going there it is about a six hour drive. I am worried about leaving my two year old son with relatives while I am in Nova Scotia, I am so used to being with him. Oh well it seems the best option for the baby.

[LisaJoy]

Keep in mind that two-year-olds are pretty adaptable. Maybe before the baby comes, your son could spend a few hours here and there with the relatives so that he can get used to being with them without you and you can get more comfortable leaving him. He's likely to pick up on your anxiety, so anything you can do to make the two of you more comfortable with the arrangement, the easier it will be when the time comes.

[janjanwhit]

I have been told that my babies lesion is closed. Does that determine what type of sb he has?

[LisaJoy]

Probably; it is kind of hard to know what they mean, but generally closed is better than open. It is thought that exposure of neural tissue to amniotic fluid causes some of the damage -- that is part of the argument for "closing" an open lesion in fetal surgery. Also, closed lesions are less likely to be accompanied by hydrocephalus. Generally speaking, I would say that news of a "closed lesion" is good news -- but of course, it is impossible to know for any specific case.

[janjanwhit]

His hydro is average for a baby with sb apparently.

[LisaJoy]

janjanwhit -- You're getting close to delivery, aren't you? You must be getting really excited and anxious. We will all be interested to know how things turn out, with all of the predictions that your docs have made! Keeping you in my prayers -- Lisa

[janjanwhit]

i am due february 28th. If everything keeps going well then i will deliver at 38 weeks. I have another scan in a week or so. Still waiting for my appointment.

[XoBLoNDiE85]

Hey janjan.....Hannah (now 6 months) her lesion was closed as well. She has myleo and is shunted but the lesion was closed like your little and i also was told that it is better because the amniotic fluid does more damage. I can also feel ya on the leaving the 2yr old behind.We left our 2 daughters (2 & 5) basically for 6 days cause we lived at the hospital practically although i was discharged the 3rd day we would leave our house a 3 or 4am to get to Hannah in LA. I was soooo not looking forward to leaving girls but it worked out and my mom kept them happy and entertained....you will be soooo busy in the NICU and all the time flies by! Well bye for now and God bless you and your family,EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE:)

[lrllnd1]

My doctor also says that my baby's lesion sac is also closed and he says the membrane seems quite thick, he says the same thing you mentioned it that was better because it protects the spinal cord from the amniotic fluid., How long was your baby in the NICU and how long after they closed the lesion site did she require a shunt. At how many week do people usually do if they are going to have a c section. My doctor recommends a c section since the IWK hospital I am going to is six hours away.
Thanks