A Newborn Spina Bifida Case Report

Abstract

In North America, over seventy thousand cases of disability are attributed to central nervous system anomalies, with the majority of these cases resulting from neural tube defects. Among these defects, meningomyelocele is the most commonly observed condition. Meningomyelocele is characterized by the protrusion of spinal structures outside the skin, leading to deficits in motor function of the lower limbs and challenges related to urinary and fecal elimination. The severity of these clinical symptoms can vary depending on the location of the defect along the neural tube. The root cause of meningomyelocele is associated with the incomplete closure of the neural tube during fetal development. In our specific case, the diagnosis of spina bifida was made prenatally by the perinatology clinic, and the family received comprehensive information about the condition well before the delivery. Despite being informed, the family made the decision to proceed with the birth, and necessary arrangements were made to support this choice. Following the delivery, the newborn underwent an examination confirming the presence of spina bifida, in line with the previous ultrasound diagnosis.