[Neuropsychological deficits in hydrocephalus associated spina bifida].

INTRODUCTION. The term spina bifida is used to describe a large number of abnormalities in which the common denominator is incomplete posterior fusion of the vertebral arches. DEVELOPMENT. Spina bifida, as a congenital alteration affecting closure of the neural tube frequently appears in relation to hydrocephaly. The object of this article is to review the neuropsychological alterations which occur in hydrocephaly, with special reference to hydrocephaly linked to spina bifida. The authors suggest consideration of these alterations in view of the new models of cognitive neuropsychology. The commonest alterations are those affecting visual-perceptive and visual-constructive function, working memory, pragmatic use of language and executive functions.