Breinbrekers? Beter begrip van breinfunctie bij mensen bij spina bifida leidt tot betere zorg

Patients with spina bifida (SB), or spinal dysraphism, have several brain anomalies that influence daily life functioning. In this article we will explain how these can be investigated and what the relevance is for the care for (young) adults with SB. Predictors for problems with performance are: the level of the lesion, having hydrocephalus, having ventriculo-peritoneal draindysfunction, having seizures, and social economic status. In the daily practice you could notice that patients with SB are verbally strong, but still can get into trouble due to a lack of executive functions. Planning, handling appointments, compliance to medical advice and medication, etcetera, are more difficult for these patients. This worsens as the patient ages. It helps to offer information in a dosed manner. Use of short sentences and repetition are important. The rehabilitation team can also help, e.g. by testing neuropsychological functions and/or learning compensatory strategies.