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Children with spina bifida: key clinical issues
1Olson Huff Center, Mission Children's Hospital, 11 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Asheville, NC 28803, USA. adsandler@pol.net
Insights
Spina bifida, a common neural tube defect, involves incomplete vertebral arches and causes various impairments. This article details associated sensory, motor, neurologic, orthopedic, and cognitive issues in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Spina bifida is the most prevalent neural tube defect.
- It is a complex, multisystem birth defect characterized by incomplete vertebral arches.
- Other neural tube defects include myelomeningocele, encephalocele, and anencephaly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the multifaceted impairments associated with spina bifida.
- To summarize key clinical issues in the care of children with spina bifida.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of this complex birth defect.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of spina bifida.
- Discussion of associated sensory and motor impairments.
- Summary of neurologic, orthopedic, and cognitive deficits.
Main Results:
- Spina bifida presents with a range of sensory and motor deficits.
- Neurologic, orthopedic, and cognitive impairments are common.
- Associated skin and other problems require management.
- Children with spina bifida face complex clinical care challenges.
Conclusions:
- Spina bifida necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its multisystemic effects.
- Effective management requires addressing diverse impairments and clinical issues.
- Multidisciplinary care is crucial for optimizing outcomes in children with spina bifida.
Abstract:
Spina bifida is the most common of the neural tube defects, which include myelomeningocele, encephalocele, and anencephaly. Spina bifida is a complex and multisystem birth defect, in which one or more vertebral arches may be incomplete. This article discusses the sensory and motor impairments, neurologic disorders, orthopedic and cognitive impairments, and skin and other problems associated with spina bifida. This article also summarizes some of the key clinical issues in the care of children with this complex birth defect.
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