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Neural Tube Defects

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/neuraltubedefects.html

Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. The two most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. In spina bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy. There is usually nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs. In anencephaly, much of the brain does not develop. Babies with anencephaly are either stillborn or die shortly after birth.

Getting enough folic acid, a type of B vitamin, before and during pregnancy prevents most neural tube defects. Treatments for neural tube defects vary depending on the type of defect.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

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The primary NIH organization for research on Neural Tube Defects is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Date last updated: May 07 2009
Topic last reviewed: November 17 2008