title: Neural tube defects.
abstract: Defects of development of the neural tube can result in a number of seemingly different malformations. Understanding the abnormal embryology helps one understand the malformations and their surgical treatments. The clinical presentations and the follow-up of these patients require attention to various end organs besides the nervous system. For most of these conditions, long-term follow-up is necessary regardless of initial treatment. A decline in function is not a part of the natural history of these malformations and requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. bkaufman@neuroscience.mcw.edu
authors.forename: Bruce A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Kaufman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology / Q000601:surgery; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology / Q000601:surgery; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery