Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect (a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings) caused by the failure of the foetus's spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. Infants born with SB sometimes have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred. Although the spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs. Even when there is no lesion present there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae and accompanying nerve damage. In addition to physical and mobility difficulties, most individuals have some form of learning disability. The three most common types of SB are: myelomeningocele, the severest form, in which the spinal cord and its protective covering (the meninges) protrude from an opening in the spine; meningocele in which the spinal cord develops normally but the meninges protrude from a spinal opening; and occulta, the mildest form, in which one or more vertebrae are malformed and covered by a layer of skin. SB may also cause bowel and bladder complications, and many children with SB have hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain). There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired at this time. This new book brings together leading researchers in this field.

Note to Readers: Publisher does not guarantee quality or access to any included digital components if book is purchased through a third-party seller. This revised and greatly expanded sixth edition of Pediatric Rehabilitation continues to set the standard of care for clinicians and remains the premier reference dedicated to education and training in the field of pediatric rehabilitation medicine. Under the direction of a new editorial team, this text brings together renowned specialists from all sectors of the pediatric rehabilitation community to provide the most current and comprehensive information with evidence-based discussions throughout. The sixth edition encompasses substantial updates from beginning to end and addresses emerging topics in the field with eight entirely new chapters devoted to brachial plexus palsy, oncology, robotics, genetics, spasticity management, rheumatology, burns, and advocacy. Major revisions to chapters on spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diagnoses, and medical care of children reflect recent advances and expand coverage to include pediatric stroke, anoxic brain injury, bone health, pain management, and more. Chapter pearls, detailed summary tables, and over 250 figures emphasize major takeaways from the text for readers. With contributors chosen both for their academic and clinical expertise, chapters offer a real hands-on perspective and reference the most up to date literature available. Pediatric Rehabilitation covers all aspects of pediatric rehabilitation medicine from basic examination and testing to in-depth clinical management of the full range of childhood disabilities and injuries. As the foundational reference dedicated to the field of pediatric rehabilitation medicine over 6 editions, the book provides a thorough and contemporary review of clinical practice principles and serves as the primary resource for trainees and clinicians in this area. Key Features: Thoroughly revised and expanded new edition of the seminal reference for the field of pediatric rehabilitation medicine Contains eight entirely new chapters to address areas of growing importance Increased coverage of core topics including brain injury and concussion in children, integrated spasticity management, lifespan care for adults with childhood onset disability, pediatric stroke, and much more 13 high-quality gait videos review ambulation in children and adults with cerebral palsy New editorial team and many new contributors provide new perspectives and a modern evidence-based approach Clinical pearls and highly illustrative tables and lists underscore most essential information

I was gratified by the most favorable reception and wide usage received by the first edition of this book. A decade seems to be a short period for a book on pathology, and yet it witnessed many important changes of concepts, along with a formidable growth of knowledge. The second edition required extensive reorganization. There are new chapters on mitochondriopathies, on peroxisomal diseases and on spongy myelino pathies. Major revisions and new additions were necessary in many chapters, for instance those on the dysplasias of the cerebral and of the cerebellar hemispheres, which were largely reorganized. The chapters on perinatal pathology were reordered and reorganized to give a more logical sequence of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal lesions. The entire text was worked over for brevity. A wealth of new references was added with the. aim of staying abreast with the literature up to summer 1988. All refer ences were double checked for errors. My gratitude goes to Mrs. Gisela Ropte and Mrs. Cynthia Bunker for their untiring, diligent help. As a result, this second edition is an essentially rewritten text. Advance in the prevention of human suffering is based on a thorough understand ing of the nature of disease. I hope that this text will continue to be of service in this behalf. Perhaps it may also reflect and foster the intellectual curiosity which makes the "reading of brains" so interesting an occupation. Gottingen, 1989 Reinhard L.

Covers the latest insights any fetal specialist needs and provides essential knowledge for professionals caring for women with high-risk pregnancies.

This book is a comprehensive overview of spina bifida and craniosynostosis with emphasis on new trends in the management of these diseases. Chapters on spina bifida cover such topics as the etiology and pathophysiology of caudal neural tube defects, the overall management of pediatric patients with spina bifida, surgical treatment, and urological and orthopedic care. The chapters on craniosynostosis present new technologies of surgical treatment, craniomaxillofacial corrective surgery, and telescoping techniques with multiple cranial osteotomies.

The future of disability in America will depend on how well the U.S. prepares for and manages the demographic, fiscal, and technological developments that will unfold during the next two to three decades. Building upon two prior studies from the Institute of Medicine (the 1991 Institute of Medicine's report Disability in America and the 1997 report Enabling America), The Future of Disability in America examines both progress and concerns about continuing barriers that limit the independence, productivity, and participation in community life of people with disabilities. This book offers a comprehensive look at a wide range of issues, including the prevalence of disability across the lifespan; disability trends the role of assistive technology; barriers posed by health care and other facilities with inaccessible buildings, equipment, and information formats; the needs of young people moving from pediatric to adult health care and of adults experiencing premature aging and secondary health problems; selected issues in health care financing (e.g., risk adjusting payments to health plans, coverage of assistive technology); and the organizing and financing of disability-related research. The Future of Disability in America is an assessment of both principles and scientific evidence for disability policies and services. This book's recommendations propose steps to eliminate barriers and strengthen the evidence base for future public and private actions to reduce the impact of disability on individuals, families, and society.

It is the most common complex birth defect. Spina bifida affects approximately one out of every 1,000 children born in the United States. In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Adrian Sandler offers a wealth of useful information on the medical, developmental, and psychological aspects of this condition. Accurate, accessible, and up-to-date, Living with Spina Bifida is written especially for families and professionals who care for children, adolescents, and adults with spina bifida. This edition contains a new preface by the author, addressing recent developments in research and treatment, as well as an updated list of spina bifida associations.