Famous People Who Have or Had Spina Bifida

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2017/11/10 - Updated: 2025/05/22
Publication Type: Awareness, Appreciation
Category Topic: Famous Disabled People - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of notable individuals - past and present - who were born with spina bifida, the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States, affecting approximately 1,500 babies annually. The article explains the medical background of spina bifida, detailing its four main types and the challenges it presents, such as nerve damage and the need for early surgical intervention to prevent further complications.

The list includes a diverse array of accomplished figures, from athletes like Aaron Fotheringham and Tanni Grey-Thompson to artists such as Lucinda Williams and Riva Lehrer, as well as advocates and professionals like Catalina Devandas Aguilar and Dr. Karin Muraszko. This resource is particularly useful for people with disabilities, their families, and advocates, as it highlights real-world examples of individuals who have achieved prominence in various fields despite the challenges of spina bifida, offering both representation and practical insights into living with the condition. The information's authority is reinforced by the expertise of the author, who has a deep background in disability advocacy and the social model of disability, ensuring the content is accurate, inclusive, and relevant to a wide audience - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") is a developmental congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube. Some vertebrae overlying the spinal cord are not fully formed and remain un-fused and open. If the opening is large enough, this allows a portion of the spinal cord to protrude through the opening in the bones.

Main Content

Spina bifida malformations fall into four categories:

• Meningocele
• Myelomeningocele
• Spina bifida occulta
• Spina bifida cystica (Myelomeningocele)

Neural tube defects can usually be detected during pregnancy by testing the mother's blood (AFP screening) or a detailed fetal ultrasound. Spina bifida may be associated with other malformations as in dysmorphic syndromes, often resulting in spontaneous miscarriage. The most common location of the malformations is the lumbar and sacral areas of the spinal cord. The lumbar nerves control the muscles in the hip, leg, knee and foot, and help to keep the body erect. There is no cure for nerve damage due to spina bifida. To prevent further damage of the nervous tissue and to prevent infection, pediatric neurosurgeons operate to close the opening on the back.

List of Famous People With and Who Had Spina Bifida

NOTE: If you notice any inaccuracies in this list, please reach out to us so we can correct it. Additionally, if you believe someone should be added to this list, please provide us with their name and any information to verify their disability. We value your help, and you can contact us here.

You can also view our other lists of famous and well-known people with various disabilities and conditions, including actors, politicians, and writers who contributed to society.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.