{"id":177447,"date":"2023-05-19T10:58:48","date_gmt":"2023-05-19T10:58:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=177447"},"modified":"2025-12-18T05:25:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T05:25:38","slug":"diagnostic-neural-tube-defects-causes-types-treatment-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-neural-tube-defects-causes-types-treatment-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Neural Tube Defects: Causes, Types, Treatment & More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Signs and Symptoms of Neural Tube Defects<\/a><\/li>
Causes of Neural Tube Defects<\/a><\/li>
Risk Factors for Neural Tube Defects<\/a><\/li>
Diagnosis of Neural Tube Defects<\/a><\/li>
Treatment of Neural Tube Defects<\/a><\/li>
Prevention of Neural Tube Defects<\/a><\/li>
Complications of Neural Tube Defects<\/a><\/li>
Conclusion<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe first three months of pregnancy are crucial as it is the time when organ formation takes place. It has been observed that many birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy.^{<\/sup>Neural tube defect is one of these defects}^{1<\/sup><\/a>. Neural tube defects are birth defects present in the brain and the spinal cord. Globally, there are more than 3,00,000 newborns every year diagnosed with neural tube defects or 2 per thousand live births}^{2<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Development of the brain and spine begins in the first month of pregnancy. At this stage, the developing brain and spine are called the neural tube.^{<\/sup>Neural tube defects occur when the tube does not close completely along its length}^{3<\/sup><\/a>. Types of neural tube defects include Spinal bifida, Anencephaly, Encephalocele, and Iniencephaly. Spina bifida and anencephaly are more commonly reported in newborns. Foetus detected with iniencephaly and anencephaly die before birth, during the delivery or shortly after birth}^{4<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{5<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Signs and Symptoms of Neural Tube Defects<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince neural tube defect occurs in the first month of pregnancy, the mother might not experience any signs and symptoms. During her regular ultrasound, the gynaecologist would possibly reveal signs of this type of birth defect. However, in babies born with neural tube defects, the following general symptoms might be seen ^{6<\/sup><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
\n
Paralysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Difficulty in swallowing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0Seizures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Urinary and bowel movement problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Blindness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Lack of hearing (partial or complete deafness)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cognitive disability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Lack of alertness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In cases of neural tube defects, normal persistent nerve damage and loss of function are evident at birth ^{3<\/sup><\/a>.^{\u00a0 <\/sup>So, if your child has a neural tube defect, he\/she will probably need admission in NICU and surgery at time of birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n}}
Prevention is the quintessential when it comes to neural tube defects, and thus the knowledge of risk factors and causes is also very crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Causes of Neural Tube Defects<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe exact causes of neural tube defect are still under research, although it is proposed that genetic reasons, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental factors all play a role in causing neural tube defects. Most importantly, the role of folic acid is vital for the healthy development of the foetus, especially in preventing neural tube defects. Just like any other vitamin, vitamin B9 i.e., folic acid levels are extremely crucial during pregnancy. Low levels of folic acid in females before getting pregnant or during the early stages of pregnancy can result in this type of birth defect ^{3<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{7<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>}
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