Dr. Wallace informed us that 5% of the population has spina bifida occulta and that only a small percentage (2%) of these have some associated neurological problems.

Some of the problems include lipomas and tethering of the spinal cord. Some children also have learning problems, clumsiness and bladder and bowel problems, which seems like a mild case of spina bifida.

He said that spina bifida, including the occulta form, should be seen as a neurological disease which affects the whole neurological system and not just a problem at the site of the lesion with associated hydrocephalus.

The big revelation for the night came from Michael Gattas. He said that people who had spina bifida occulta with neurological problems, had an increased risk of having offspring with a neural tube defect - the same as for spina bifida. As the risk of recurrence is quite large, about 4%, it is quite important for people with spina bifida occulta to be aware of this. In addition he said that research had not shown whether the increased risk was for the offspring to have spina bifida occulta or one of the more severe forms of neural tube defect.

He reinforced the message of how important it was to have genetic counselling if there were any questions about passing on problems to offspring and said how important it was for every woman of childbearing age to supplement her diet with folic acid and for women at particular risk to seek medical advice about the dose.

The evening was videotaped and copies will soon be available for borrowing from the Association. If you are unable to collect the video from the Association, it will be necessary for us to charge for postage. It is anticipated that this video will prove very popular, so please get in early. A transcript of the evening's talk will also be available soon.