Understanding Spina Bifida

Paper Summary:

The following paper examines the statistics and research on Spina Bifida, a dreadful and complicated disease that approximately 1,500 infants are born with each year. The writer also discusses the way in which this disease affects each child differently, as well as examines treatments and solutions available.

From the Paper:

"Spina Bifida is a spinal condition in which one or more of an infant's vertebrae do not properly form, leaving an opening at the base of the spinal cord which can cause serious damage to the central nervous system. The result is often paralysis or mental retardation (Sandler, 1997). Spina Bifida comes from the Latin words for "split spine." It is a congenital disorder, but it is usually an isolated one, meaning that usually only one child from the same biological parents will be affected. This causes many experts to believe that the disorder results from both genetic and environmental factors (Sandler, 1997).

"Types and Causes of Spina Bifida: There are currently three recognized types of spina bifida; The first is Occulta, in which the outer area of the vertebrae is not completely joined. Spina bifida occulta literally means a hidden split in the spine. It is hidden because the deformity of the spine and any associated abnormalities are covered by the skin. This is the least serious but most common type of the disorder."

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