1. Spina Bifida
Megan Morrisey

2. Scientific and Common Name
Scientific name as well as common name is Spina Bifida
However the 3 types are called
Spina Bifida Occulta-
Hidden
Meningocele-
Meninges push through
hole of the back
Myelomeningocele-
Spinal cord and meningies
push through hole of the back

3. Cause and Transmitted Spina Bifida is caused by the failure
of the babies spine to close properly
during the first month of pregnancy
Most cases there is no familial
connection
Low levels of folic acid before and
during pregnancy possibly partake in the cause
Consume 0.4 mg per day through out first trimester
Eggs, Orange juice, Dark green leafy vegetables
Theory that viruses might play a role, since there is a higher rate of this defect in newborns during winter months
High fever in pregnancy may increase a woman’s risk
Women with epilepsy who have taken Valpriolic acid increases risk as well

4. Targeted Population No specific targeted population, anyone can get it
1 out of 800 babies are affected
To reduce changes, it is
recommended to take
folic acid
Women who have epilepsy
and take valpriolc acid to
control seizures have
a higher risk

5. Where and How
This condition can affect the entire length on the CNS, including the brain as well as the entire spine
Most cases have lots of brain abnormalities, resulting in hydrocephalus

6. Symptoms
Spina Bifida Occulta has no outward signs or symptoms besides a birthmark on the lower spine
Spina Bifida Manifesta
Loss of bladder/bowel control
Loss of sensation
Possibly paralysis of legs
Weakness in hips, legs, and feet
Possible abnormalities in feet
Hydrocephalus
Meningitis
UTI’s

7. Prognosis
Most individuals live well into adulthood depending on how bad their condition is
Usually this condition can be surgically corrected if needed
Problems occur later in life, as the individual hits puberty
-More loss of function
-Orthopedic problems
-Foot/ankle deformities
-Dislocation of hips
Most individuals use a wheelchair,
walker, or crutches

8. Vaccine or Treatment
There is currently no cure or vaccine for this disorder
Spina Bifida Occulta is hidden and leaves people unaffected
There are two common treatments for Spina Bifida Manifesta
-Prenatal- Surgery is taken place between 19 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. The uterus is opened up to where the baby’s back is in sight and the sac is removed. The fetus and mother are then examined and followed up with weekly ultrasounds. There is a planned cesarean birth at 37 weeks.
-Postnatal- The same surgery is
taken place but 24 to 48 hours after a
cesarean birth at 37 weeks. A
cesarean birth is planned incase a
sac is present.
Prenatal treatment is proven to be the
most beneficial though most dangerous

9. Celebrities
Jean Driscoll- Competed in the Paralympics after being recruited to play wheelchair basketball of University of Illinois and later joining the track team
Aaron Fotheringham- Started
riding at skate parks with his
wheelchair at the age of 8.Started competing in the BMX
competitions and was later the
first person to ever land a double
back flip in a wheelchair.

10. Organizations The Spina Bifida Association
Non-profit association that provides information and referrals through a clearinghouse and number you can call
Promotes research into the causes, treatment and prevention of Spina Bifida
As well as conducts public awareness campaigns and encourages socialization and training for people with Spina Bifida

11. Resources
Neurological institute of neurological disorders and stroke. (2012). Retrieved from
David, Z. (2011, March 15). Pubmed health. Retrieved from
Ucsf benioff childrens. (2011, June 1). Retrieved from
(2005). Retrieved from website: