SPINA BIFIDA

Presented by:

Karen Wilson

Spina Bifida Spina Bifida latin word for split spine. Most common group of birth defects called neural tube defects (NTD). The neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord.

What is Spina Bifida? A birth defect resulting from the incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube. The vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord remains infused and open. The abnormal portion of the spinal cord sticks out through the opening in the bones.

How Is Spina Bifida treated? By operating on the fetus while still in the womb. is done as if fetus is being delivered via cesarean section. Another way is that it is usually treated surgically between 24 to 48 hours after birth.

Can Spina Bifida be prevented? Women should take folic acid before and during pregnancy to avoid any neural tube defects. It is recommended that women take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid daily and foods that contain natural folic acid such as vegetables, grains, and orange and citrus juices.

Blaine HarrisonMusician Blaine Harrison is the lead singer of the British group The Mystery Jets, a four-piece British indie band. Blaine has spina bifida and uses crutches to get around.

David ProudActor British actor, best known for his work on the British soap, East enders where he played Oxford student Adam Best. He was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair.

Famous People with Spina Bifida

Working

Famous People with Spina Bifida

Jean DriscollWheelchair Racer & Olympian Jean was born with spina bifida. She is a seven-time winner of the Boston Marathon, setting world records in five of those races. She set a world record in the 10-kilometer race last year, and won silver medals in 800-meter events at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, as well as two gold medals, one silver and one bronze at the 1996 Paralympics.