Spina Bifida Crispin Rea

What is Spina Bifida? Debilitating condition that occurs in the spine Latin roots “Split Spine” Spinal vertebral arches fail to develop properly Spinal tubes fail to close

Causes of Spina Bifida No known causes Environment and genetics play a role 95% of those with Spina Bifida have no genetic history of the condition Folic acid supplements can reduce the risk in pregnancy

Symptoms and Effects Nerve damage in lumbar and sacral areas Muscles in the hips, legs and feet Bladder control and bowel problems Permanent paralysis Depression and learning disabilities

History Dutch Physician Nicholas Tulp 1652 Successful surgery A.W. Mayo Robinson 1882 Folic Acid Today we still don’t know

Treatment No cure today Surgery, therapy and medicine can limit conditions severity In-utero surgery Life of wheel chairs, crutches and braces

Statistics Occurs in 7 out of every 10.000 births 70,000 American with Spina Bifida Hispanics are most at risk Average lifetime costs to society: $532,000 More common in the southwest and southeast U.S

Organizations SBAA: Spina Bifida Organization of America NINDS: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ASBAH: Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

Conclusion Much research being done Life expectancy is longer Quality of life is better Broad range of studies genetically and concerning folic acid