Posterior meningocele is a least common form of the condition known as spina bifida which is Latin for split spine. Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the neural tube. What happens is that there is an incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube which contributes to an unformed spinal cord. The vertebrae found at the open part of the spinal cord is not fully formed as well and remains unfused and exposed.

Diagnosis is usually achieved by testing the mother's blood or what you call AFP Screening during pregnancy to see if there are defects with the neural tube. A fetal ultrasound is also used.

As for treatment, there is currently no cure for the nerve damage that is caused by spina bifida. Preventing further damage to the nervous tissue as well as arresting infection makes it necessary for pediatric neurosurgeons to operate in order to close the opening on the back

The malformations which normally occur in the lumbar and sacral areas of the spinal cord results in impairment in these specific areas which result to the following conditions or symptoms; paralysis, poor or non-existent bowel movement as well as bladder control, absence of skin sensation, curvature of the spine or scoliosis which depends on the degree and location of the lesion damage on the spine. It is not also unusual to find spina bifida patients with cognitive problems although mental retardation is often rare. Another common problem associated with the condition is known as the Tethered Spinal Cord syndrome, with accompanying symptoms such as leg weakness, lower body pain, incontinence, curvature of the spine and general numbness.

The causes of meningocele include teratoma as well as other tumors of the sacrococcyx and of the presacral space, and even Currarino syndrome.

meningocele