1. Spina Bifida
Crispin Rea

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

8. 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

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

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