Care of the neonate with a myelomeningocele.

Important decisions are made at the first meeting of the pediatric neurosurgeon and the parents of a child born with a myelomeningocele. It is essential that the neurosurgeon be aware of the most recent outcome data for children born with a myelomeningocele. Only when armed with this information can he or she make it possible for the family to participate in an informed decision. An understanding of the ethical principles involved in deciding for an individual too young to make any decision is a major part of this process.