Final answer:
Surgical intervention is necessary to treat meningocele or myelomeningocele, which are types of spina bifida. A lumbar puncture can help diagnose potential complications such as meningitis by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid for infections or pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you find conditions such as meningocele or myelomeningocele, it is essential to perform surgical interventions to close the opening or remove the cyst to prevent further damage or infection. Surgical treatment is often beneficial for many children with meningocele, potentially alleviating pain and limiting functional loss. However, in the case of myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida, there may be more extensive damage to the nervous tissue, which leads to persistent neurological damage. Although symptoms are often manageable, individuals may experience complications related to the spinal cord later in life that require further medical attention. Despite these challenges, the overall life expectancy for individuals with these conditions is not typically reduced.
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a primary test that can be used to diagnose complications like meningitis, which might co-occur with meningocele or myelomeningocele. During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the spinal column to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid can be analyzed to diagnose various neurological conditions, assess for potential infections, and determine the presence of pathogens or signs of inflammation.