Spina Bifida

by Stephanie Watson

Overview

Spina bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects. Spina bifida is a defect in the development of the vertebrae, leaving part of the spinal cord exposed. More than 70,000 people today live with spina bifida, according to the Spina Bifida Association. Scientists aren’t sure exactly why people get spina bifida, but they believe it has to do with a combination of genes and the environment. One of the best ways to prevent spina bifida is to take folic acid vitamins for at least one month before getting pregnant and during the pregnancy. In this book, students learn about the history of spina bifida, genetics and inheritance of traits, genetic mutations, who can have spina bifida and how it is treated, and the medical advances in research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781404218536
Publisher:	Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated, The
Publication date:	08/30/2008
Series:	Genetic and Developmental Diseases and Disorders Series
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	6.70(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction     4
Spina Bifida: Past and Present     9
A Genetics Primer     16
Who Gets Spina Bifida and What Can Be Done to Treat It?     24
The Search for a Cure     37
The Future of Spina Bifida Research     46
Timeline     50
Glossary     53
For More Information     55
For Further Reading     58
Bibliography     59
Index     61

Editorial Reviews

Gr 8 Up

These slim volumes will fill specific needs. Each title introduces the disease or disorder, covers its history, current status, and future treatments; identifies who is susceptible and why; and discusses diagnosis and current and future treatments. The genetic basis (or lack thereof) is also outlined, without focusing on cellular activities. The books are humanized by real-life stories and (except for in Autism ), a list of questions to ask doctors. Background knowledge is occasionally assumed-words like plasmid and adenovirus are used without being defined in the texts or glossaries. The writing is a little uneven, with that in Autism the best and Muscular Dystrophy the worst. Photos are mostly small and superficial.

School Library Journal