Myelomeningocele: comprehensive treatment

Abstract

The management of children born with myelomeningocele is now extended over an entire lifespan. Rehabilitation specialists managing these children must understand the initial anatomic dysfunction, its interaction with normal child development, and the effect of normal aging on pediatric-onset disabilities. A model for an interdisciplinary process that keeps the final goals of any child-onset disability in mind is discussed. A review of current medical, surgical, and behavioral interventions for these children is also presented.