title: A brighter future for adults who have myelomeningocele--one form of spina bifida.
abstract: Recently a new population of adults with myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, has emerged. Because of the complex issues challenging these adults, specialized health care services provided by a multispecialty team are recommended. With the hope that similar services will be developed, the establishment of one specific teen/adult spina bifida multispecialty team is discussed in this article. An overview of myelomeningocele is presented, which includes adult focused physical/cognitive/social-emotional challenges and goals, potential medical problems, and opportunities for nurse leadership.
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Rauen
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Aubert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*