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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
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|October 2, 2010
Summary
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.
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