Health

Due to the multiple body systems that may be affected by MMC, an individual with this diagnosis often requires a team of specialized health care providers. In some areas, a multi-disciplinary clinic for Spina Bifida may be available, so that the necessary specialists can all be seen on the same day, and communication amongst the team is facilitated. Primary care physicians (for example, pediatricians and family medicine physicians) address routine medical care, preventative health counseling, immunizations and intermittent medical conditions as they arise. In addition to a primary care physician, other specialized physicians may be involved, including physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, urologists, and neurologists. Other health care providers that may be important include nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists (speech therapists), dieticians, social workers, psychologists, and orthotists (specialists who make orthoses).