Acquired Myelomeningoceles is a medical term used to describe a condition where the spinal cord and nerves within the spine have protruded through a defect in the bony vertebral column. The term is pronounced /əˈkwaɪrd maɪəˌloʊməˈnɪŋɡoʊsiz/ and broken down into four syllables - "a-qui-red," "my-elo-men-in-go-celes." The word "myelo" refers to the spinal cord, while "meningoceles" describes the protrusion of the meninges or lining of the spinal cord. This condition may occur due to a variety of factors, including spinal trauma, infection, or tumor growth.
Acquired myelomeningoceles, also known as acquired spinal dysraphism, is a medical condition characterized by the development of a neural tube defect later in life. Neural tube defects refer to abnormalities that occur during the early development of the central nervous system, specifically the spinal cord and brain.
In the case of acquired myelomeningoceles, the condition arises after birth, typically as a result of trauma or injury to the spine. This can include damage from tumors, infections, or surgery, among other causes. Unlike congenital myelomeningoceles, which are present at birth, acquired myelomeningoceles occur later in life and are often associated with spinal cord dysfunction.
The term "myelomeningocele" specifically refers to the herniation of the meninges, spinal fluid, and neural tissues through a defect in the spinal canal. This can lead to various neurological complications, including sensory deficits, muscle weakness or paralysis, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and issues with coordination and balance.
Diagnosis of acquired myelomeningoceles typically involves a thorough physical examination, neurological evaluation, and imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. Treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. This may involve surgical interventions to repair and stabilize the spinal cord, manage symptoms, and prevent further complications.
Overall, acquired myelomeningoceles are a rare condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, requiring lifelong medical management and support.
The word "acquired" in the term "acquired myelomeningoceles" refers to a condition that is not congenital or present from birth but develops afterwards.
The term "myelomeningocele" can be broken down into two parts: "myelo" refers to the spinal cord and "meningocele" refers to a herniation or protrusion of the protective covering of the spinal cord (meninges). In myelomeningocele, both the spinal cord itself and the meninges protrude through an opening in the spinal column.
The word "acquired" is added to "myelomeningoceles" to specify that the condition has developed later in life, rather than being a congenital abnormality.