Mondo Description Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. It happens when parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine. It causes nerve damage and other disabilities. Seventy to ninety percent of children with this condition also have too much fluid on their brains (hydrocephalus). This happens because fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord is unable to drain like it should. The fluid builds up, causing pressure and swelling. Without treatment, a persons head grows too big, and theymay have brain damage. Other disorders of the spinal cord may be seen, including syringomyelia and hip dislocation. The cause of myelomeningocele is unknown. However, low levels of folic acid in a woman's body before and during early pregnancy is thought to play a part in this type of birth defect.
Disease Ontology Description A spina bifida characterized by protrusion of the spinal cord through an opening, covered by meningeal membranes.
Counts of Target Development Levels for diseases known to be associated with this disease. If the disease has a valid DOID, targets known to be associated with all child diseases are aggregated. Click "Explore Associated Targets" to view more facets and details for the target list.
This disease has been annotated by GARD as a rare disease.
Description from Mondo Disease Ontology.
Description from Disease Ontology
DataSources which have contributed target associations to this disease, and the identifiers by which the disease is referenced.
DOID:0060326
EFO:1001369
GARD:0003475
MESH:D008591
Orphanet:93969
SCTID:414667000
MONDO:0019773
High level summary of knowledge for a disease, including descriptions and datasource references.