The perinatal management of central nervous system anomalies

The diagnosis, proper evaluation, and treatment of a CNS anomaly requires the participation of many subspecialists and support personnel. The outcome can be favorably modified through the choice of elective termination, aggressive or passive perinatal intervention, and the 24-hour availability of neurosurgical expertise. At the conclusion of the pregnancy, accurate and informative counseling also should be provided. Although these discussions need not take place immediately, review of the final diagnosis, its risk of recurrence, and the appropriate screening for subsequent pregnancy should be included.