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Next Steps

Follow-up

People with spina bifida should be seen frequently by the appropriate professionals so that they can be checked for progressing deformities, disabilities, or complications that may require intervention. A specialized “clinic” can assemble the needed professionals, so parents are not spending all of their time taking the child for medical attention.

• The effectiveness of their physical therapy, including their braces, orthotics, crutches, and wheelchair, should be checked often and changes made if necessary.
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• Development of hydrocephalus or worsening of deformities warrants the attention of the appropriate surgeon.
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• Medical complications such as obesity or urinary tract infection require appropriate treatment. The goal is to prevent secondary chronic complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems. 
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• The individual’s educational progress should be checked; learning disorders should be addressed with appropriate training.
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• Their emotional and social development also needs to be checked and appropriate treatment or counseling offered if needed.