Spina Bifida Management

Abstract

Myelomeningocele, commonly known as spina bifida, is a birth defect in which the spinal cord does not develop properly due to incomplete closure of the neural tube at 28 days of gestation. With advances in treatment modalities, technologies, and medical knowledge, people with spina bifida in the United States are living well into adulthood. Myelomeningocele management includes life-long comprehensive neurologic, urologic, musculoskeletal, skin, and habilitation management. We describe approaches to the same, with an emphasis on the signs and symptoms of medical urgencies and emergencies of which every pediatrician must be aware.