Neuropsychological patterns of adolescents and young adults with spina bifida.

The purpose of this study was to examine neuropsychological profiles for patients with spina bifida. The sample consisted of 37 subjects with spina bifida between the ages of 14 and 23. Each of the subjects was seen individually and administered the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery as well as the appropriate Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Scores from the Halstead-Reitan were subjected to cluster analysis to formulate clinical subtypes. The results indicated a three group solution was most appropriate, which appeared to reflect a continuum of dysfunction. Implications for rehabilitation programming are discussed.