What are neural tube defects?

Also known as: NTDs, birth defects, brain defects, spinal cord defects.

A neural tube defect is a birth defect that occurs very early in the development of a fetus, often during the first month of pregnancy, where the brain, spinal cord and spinal column do not develop normally. In some children there is an open defect at birth which needs to be repaired within 24 hours while others may have a skin covered swelling which can be repaired more electively.

There are many types types of neural tube defects, some examples are:

• Anencephaly
• Encephalocele
• Myelomeningocele (spinal cord defects)

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM