Spina Bifida Nick Smith EDUC 263 Dr. Korrine Gust

Quick Facts About Spina Bifida  An estimated 70,000 people in the United States are currently living with spina bifida  The most common permanently disabling birth defect.  The most common permanently disabling birth defect.  Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect that happens in the first month of pregnancy when the spinal column doesn’t close completely.  Everyday, an average of 8 babies are affected by Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine

What Spina Bifida Looks Like at Birth

Challenges  The effects of Spina Bifida are different for every person. Up to 90 percent of children with the worst form of Spina Bifida have hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and must have surgery to insert a “shunt” that helps drain the fluid—the shunt stays in place for the lifetime of the person.  The effects of Spina Bifida are different for every person. Up to 90 percent of children with the worst form of Spina Bifida have hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and must have surgery to insert a “shunt” that helps drain the fluid—the shunt stays in place for the lifetime of the person.  Other conditions include:  Full or partial paralysis  Bladder and bowel control difficulties  Learning disabilities  Depression  Latex allergy  Social issues.

The Hope of Living a Normal Life  Thanks to new medical treatments and technology, most people born with Spina Bifida can expect to live a normal life.  Thanks to new medical treatments and technology, most people born with Spina Bifida can expect to live a normal life.  People with Spina Bifida have many special challenges because of their birth defect, but their condition does not define who they are.  People with Spina Bifida have many special challenges because of their birth defect, but their condition does not define who they are.  People with Spina Bifida have careers, get married and have children just like people who don’t have Spina Bifida.  Source: Spina Bifida Association of America 

My Firsthand Experiences  Knew I was different growing up  Wondered why I was different  Prejudice  Determination  Hard work  Advice