DEFECTIVE CLOSURE OF THE NEURAL TUBE

Abstract
In another communication dealing with cerebellar agenesis1 it was pointed out that in addition to aplasia of the cerebellum and its related extracerebellar structures defects were observed in a number of structures which were functionally entirely unrelated to the cerebellum. This neuropathy was so extensive and the combination so unusual that it appeared advisable to report these findings as a separate study. REPORT OF CASE History. —The story concerning the patient (a Negro) and the method of studying the brain were included in the previous report. In brief, it was observed that in spite of marked neural defects the man adjusted well during all but the last three years of his life, when a generalized arteriosclerotic process caused a striking deterioration of personality. At the time of admission to the hospital he was disoriented, displayed poor memory and was markedly tremulous. After two and one-half years in the hospital