|
Home + Health Topics with A + Neural Tube Defects
Neural Tube Defects
Neural tube defects are birth flaws of the brain and spinal cord. The two most common neural tube flaws are spina bifida and anencephaly. In spina bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn't close entirely during the first month of pregnancy. There is typically nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs. In anencephaly, much of the brain does not build up. Babies with anencephaly are either stillborn or die shortly after birth.
Getting enough folic acid, a kind of B vitamin, before and during pregnancy prevents most neural tube defects. Treatments for neural tube defects differ depending on the type of defect.
|
