There is no known cure for the nerve damage caused by<unk> . Standard treatment is surgery after delivery. This surgery aims to prevent further damage of the nervous tissue and to prevent infection; pediatric neurosurgeons operate to close the opening on the back. The<unk> l cord and its nerve roots are put back inside the<unk>  and covered with meninges. In addition, a shunt may be surgically installed to provide a continuous drain for the excess cerebrospinal fluid produced in the brain, as happens with hydrocephalus. Shunts most commonly drain into the abdomen or chest wall. Pregnancy Standard treatment is after delivery. There is tentative evidence about treatment for severe disease before delivery while the baby is inside the womb. As of 2014, however, the evidence remains insufficient to determine benefits and harms. Treatment of<unk>  during pregnancy is not without risk. To the mother, this includes scarring of the uterus. To the baby, there is the risk of preterm birth. Broadly, there are two forms of prenatal treatment. The first is open fetal surgery, where the uterus is opened and the<unk>  repair performed. The second is via fetoscopy. These techniques may be an option to standard therapy. Childhood Most individuals with myelomeningocele will need periodic evaluations by a variety of specialists: * Physiatrists coordinate the rehabilitation efforts of different therapists and prescribe specific therapies, adaptive equipment, or medications to encourage as high of a functional performance within the community as possible. * Orthopedists monitor growth and development of bones, muscles, and joints. * Neurosurgeons perform surgeries at birth and manage complications associated with tethered cord and hydrocephalus. * Neurologists treat and evaluate nervous system issues, such as seizure disorders. * Urologists to address kidney, bladder, and bowel dysfunction – many will need to manage their urinary systems with a program of catheterization. Bowel management programs aimed at improving elimination are also designed. * Ophthalmologists evaluate and treat complications of the eyes. * Orthotists design and customize various types of assistive technology, including braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs to aid in mobility. As a general rule, the higher the level of the<unk>  defect, the more severe the paralysis, but paralysis does not always occur. Thus, those with low levels may need only short leg braces, whereas those with higher levels do best with a wheelchair, and some may be able to walk unaided. * Physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech/language pathologists aid in rehabilitative therapies and increase independent living skills. Transition to adulthood Although many children's hospitals feature integrated multidisciplinary teams to coordinate healthcare of youth with<unk> , the transition to adult healthcare can be difficult because the above healthcare professionals operate independently of each other, requiring separate appointments, and communicate among each other much less frequently. Healthcare professionals working with adults may also be less knowledgeable about<unk>  because it is considered a childhood chronic health condition. Due to the potential difficulties of the transition, adolescents with<unk>  and their families are encouraged to begin to prepare for the transition around ages 14–16, although this may vary depending on the adolescent's cognitive and physical abilities and available family support. The transition itself should be gradual and flexible. The adolescent's multidisciplinary treatment team may aid in the process by preparing comprehensive, up-to-date documents detailing the adolescent's medical care, including information about medications, surgery, therapies, and recommendations. A transition plan and aid in identifying adult healthcare professionals are also helpful to include in the transition process. Further complicating the transition process is the tendency for youths with<unk>  to be delayed in the development of autonomy, with boys particularly at risk for slower development of independence. An increased dependence on others (in particular family members) may interfere with the adolescent's self-management of health-related tasks, such as catheterization, bowel management, and taking medications. As part of the transition process, it is beneficial to begin discussions at an early age about educational and vocational goals, independent living, and community involvement. Certain locations feature multidisciplinary clinics in order to offer coordinated care between specialists, such as Cincinnati Children's Center for<unk> .
Spina bifida
Teratoma
Hydranencephaly
Anencephaly
Lissencephaly
Exencephaly
Schizencephaly
Cranioschisis