A neural tube defect (NTD) is a congenital condition that occurs when the neural tube, which forms the spine and brain during early fetal development, fails to close completely. This can lead to serious abnormalities such as spina bifida, where the spinal cord does not develop properly, or anencephaly, where parts of the brain are absent. NTDs can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with folic acid deficiency during pregnancy being a significant risk factor. Early prenatal care and supplementation with folic acid are essential for reducing the risk of these defects.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a substance that is measured in the maternal serum when a neural tube defect is suspected. High levels of AFP may indicate a neural tube defect in the fetus.
spina bifida is the most common defect
Neural Tube Defect
Myelodysplasia, or Neural Tube Defect
it is a type of neural tube defect or known as a birth defect
Anencephaly also known as neural tube defect.
Yes. A congenital defect is one the baby is born with, so spina bifida is a congenital defect.
This defect may cause children to develop an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus ).
Protrusion of the brain through a defect in the skull is called an encephalocele. It is a type of neural tube defect that occurs when the neural tube (which forms the baby's brain and spinal cord) does not close properly during embryonic development. Encephaloceles can lead to neurological issues and require surgical intervention.
Rachichisis is a rare form of the neural tube birth defect Spina Bifida where there is a cleft or "split" along the entire length of the spine.
Not usually, spina bifida is due to a neural tube defect, and hydrocephalus is due to completely different causes.
Yes, thiamin (vitamin B1) plays a crucial role in overall neurological health, but the primary nutrient known for reducing the risk of neural tube defects is folic acid (vitamin B9). Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy is essential for proper neural tube development in the fetus. While thiamin is important for various bodily functions, including metabolism and nerve function, it is not specifically linked to neural tube defect prevention.