Aids and adaptations

Because of the complex effects of neural tube defects there are many aids and adaptations that can be used. The most commonly provided are:

Bracing

Lower limb bracing is often required to assist the child to walk. The type of bracing is usually determined by the level of the defect. Higher defects require more extensive bracing. Bracing must be monitored to prevent skin breakdown over bony prominences.

Wheelchairs

As most children with meningomyelocele cannot walk independently after adolescence, wheelchair provision should usually be considered by early adolescence.

Early wheelchair provision should be considered for children with a high level defect and learning disability as walking may not be considered a realistic goal.

Home environment aids

Various modifications may be considered including the use of rails, wheelchair adaptations, bathroom and kitchen modifications etc.

Incontinence aids

These include catheters and stomas.