Severe neural tube defect syndrome from the Early Archaic of Florida

Abstract

The Early Archaic Windover site is on the east coast of mid-peninsular Florida. A subadult skeleton (about 15 years old at time of death) was recovered with multiple pathologies related to spina bifida aperta of the neural arch at the L3-S2 level of the spine. Other evidence indicates s.b. cystica, although the degree of severity of the dysraphic neural tube syndrome cannot be directly determined. In addition to spina bifida, the lumbar region is scoliotic from malformation of zygapophyses. The defect is accompanied by severe infection of the right tibia and fibula, and disuse atrophy of long bones. It is hypothesized the NTD (neural tube defect) led to progressive sensory deprivation, which in turn led to increased loss of mobility, ulceration, and risk of serious infections. Other "minor" anomalies such as cone-shaped epiphyses, enlarged nutrient foramina, and vental vertebral cavitation are also discussed. The chronic nature of these defects provide insight on the high level of long-term care and attention provided a severely handicapped individual 7,500 years ago.