Question

A patient who has a history of myelomeningocele has no response to sensation testing below the umbilicus. The level of lesion is MOST likely:

1. T10-T11.
2. L1-L2.
3. L3-L4.
4. L5-S1.

Answer 1

The most likely level of lesion for a patient with myelomeningocele and no sensation below the umbilicus is at the L1-L2 spinal level. This is due to the fact the nerve innervations for this area stem from the T10 to L1 segments.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with a history of myelomeningocele and no response to sensation testing below the umbilicus most likely has a lesion at the L1-L2 level. Myelomeningocele is a severe form of spina bifida where both the meninges and spinal nerves protrude through the vertebral defect, leading to neurological symptoms. The area around and below the umbilicus is typically innervated by the T10 to L1 spinal segments, so a complete loss of sensation below this region is indicative of damage at or above these segments.