These are the birth defects of the spine, brain or the spinal cord and are considered to be the common forms of congenital anomalies. These birth defects can occur with the developing embryo in the first month of pregnancy even before the woman knows she is pregnant. The early development of the embryo consists of certain cells that form the neural tube which will later become the brain, the spinal cord and the spinal column. A neural tube defect occurs when the tube does not close completely anywhere in its length. Some of the types of neural tube defects include spinal bifida, anencephaly and encephalocele. Folic acid is a B vitamin which is essential for preconception health. The sufficient intake of folic acid before and during pregnancy can prevent some of the major birth defects.
Spinal bifida
This is the most common form of neural tube defect that can develop in various forms of severity. It occurs when the neural tube does not close completely and infants born with this condition can present paralysis of the nerves below the affected section of the spine causing lifelong problems. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of the condition presenting a small gap in the spine but no opening on the back. As the spinal nerves are usually not involved, these children commonly don’t experience any symptoms or neurological problems. Meningocele presents a sac of fluid that can protrude through an opening in the back although the spinal cord may not be involved. Some of the affected individuals with this type may not present any symptoms although others can experience severe problems. A myelomeningocele is a severe form of the condition that presents opening along several vertebrae in the back. As the result, the membranes and the spinal cord tend to protrude forming a sac on the infant’s neck. The symptoms of neurological impairment include muscle weakness of the legs, bowel and bladder problems, orthopedic problems and seizures.
Anencephaly
This is a serious birth defect where the infant with this condition is born without parts of the brain and the skull. This occurs when the upper part of the neural tube does not close all the way and hence the infant is born without the front part of the brain and the cerebrum. In most cases, the cause of this condition is not known but is believed to develop because of genetic or chromosomal abnormalities and the taking certain medications or environmental contact the mother was exposed during pregnancy. Almost all the infants born with this condition die shortly after the birth.
Encephalocele
This is a rare form of birth defect presenting the sac-like protrusion of the brain and the membranes through an opening in the skull. This occurs when the neural tube does not close properly anywhere from the nose to the back of the neck. Some of the signs of this condition include complete loss of strength of the limbs, accumulation of excess fluid in the brain, intellectual disability, delayed growth, seizures, an unusually small head and seizures. The treatment includes a surgery to place the brain back into the skull and to close the opening of the skull. The neurological problems of this condition will continue to be present.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spina-bifida/basics/symptoms/con-20035356
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/anencephaly.html
https://medlineplus.gov/neuraltubedefects.html
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/ntds/conditioninfo/Pages/default.aspx