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Warning-sign checks

Myelomeningocele: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for possible shunt blockage, infection, or dangerous pressure in the brain.

    Warning signs can include:

    • Repeated vomiting or a severe, worsening headache
    • Unusual sleepiness, confusion, seizure, or loss of consciousness
    • A bulging soft spot, rapidly enlarging head, or poor feeding in a baby
    • Redness, swelling, pain, or fluid along the shunt
    • New breathing or swallowing difficulty
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the usual care team promptly for new leg weakness, loss of skills, back or leg pain, a change in walking, or worsening bladder or bowel control.

    These can be signs of spinal cord tethering or another neurological problem.

    Fever with urinary symptoms, back pain, vomiting, or marked unwellness needs prompt assessment.

    Seek urgent care for a deep skin wound, spreading redness, blackened skin, or an injury over a numb area that cannot be properly assessed.

    Do not wait for a routine visit if symptoms are sudden or rapidly worsening.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine appointments are appropriate for stable equipment needs, constipation, minor skin concerns, school support, or gradual changes in mobility.

The article also says

An uncovered spinal sac in a newborn requires immediate specialist care.

Do not press on it or attempt to clean or cover it with household materials unless a medical team gives instructions.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Myelomeningocele. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.