Which statement about cognitive function in children with spina bifida is accurate?

• A. They are never affected.
• B. Attention, memory, and problem solving can be impaired.
• C. Only language is affected.
• D. Cognitive function is unrelated to spina bifida.

Answer: (B)

Cognitive function can be affected in children with spina bifida, with attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities often showing difficulty. This pattern reflects how spina bifida can impact brain development, especially in cases with associated hydrocephalus or Chiari II malformation and shunting, leading to slower processing speed, working-memory challenges, and weaker executive function. Language is not universally impaired, and some children may have intact language despite other cognitive weaknesses, so the idea that attention, memory, and problem solving can be impaired is the most accurate description of the typical cognitive profile. It’s also not correct to say cognitive function is unrelated to spina bifida, or that they are never affected.