Spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect that is associated with life. Each year, approximately 1,400 babies born in the United States have spina bifida, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spina bifida, usually apparent at birth, is a type of neural tube defect in which the neural tube does not completely close during development in the womb, resulting in damage to the spinal cord and nerves.

While Halloween offers fun-filled activities for families, it also raises significant safety concerns, especially related to traumatic brain injuries among trick-or-treaters.

UAB Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS) by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

At 1:13 a.m. on Sept. 19, 2022, Haley Crumpton woke up out of a dead sleep to find her then 29-year-old-husband Blake completely unresponsive.

The Specialty Clinics of UAB Hospital at UAB Medical West are now accepting adult patients of all ages for non-emergency care. Staffed by experienced and compassionate UAB Medicine doctors, nurses, and other professionals, these clinics are located on the 6th floor of the UAB Medical West medical office building (MOB) in Bessemer, Ala.

Time is the key to preventing death and disability from stroke. So, when a patient suffering a stroke arrives at the UAB Hospital Emergency Department (ED), a rapid response team strives to provide the most appropriate care in the shortest time possible.

The Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Clinic at UAB Hospital has been named a Center of Excellence by the Cure HHT foundation. HHT is an uncommon but serious genetic disease that prevents blood vessels from developing properly. The condition can lead to stroke, heart failure, anemia and serious bleeding — most often from the nose.

Brain cancer is rare but serious. Researchers estimate that more than 18,000 adults in the United States will die from cancerous brain tumors this year alone.

At the age of 55, Huntsville, Ala. resident Scott Stanfield was living life to the fullest when he suffered two strokes. On the advice of his daughter, he came to UAB Medicine for treatment and fully recovered. Now, he answers some questions about his experiences during his care journey, stresses the importance of living in the moment, and shares his gratitude for the excellent care he received at UAB Medicine.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to share important information about this brain disorder that affects about one million people in the United States.

Director of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Clinic at UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics, Dr. Sarah O’Kelley, answers questions about ASD and resources for supporting loved ones with the diagnosis.

It is National Recovery Month, a time to reflect on the roots of substance use disorders. Adolescents experimenting with drugs and alcohol might seem unstoppable judging by the numbers. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 10% of 12-year-olds, 50% of 15-year-olds, and 70% of 18-year-olds have tried alcohol. Half of all 18-year-olds have tried other illegal drugs.