neural tube defects
DESCRIPTION
NTDsTRANSCRIPT
NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS
CAUSES
Abnormal closure of neural folds
Teratogens
Multifactorial(involving both genetic and
environmental factors)
SPINA BIFIDA
General term used for NTDs in spinal region
Vertebral arches split apart
Underlying nervous tissue may or may not be
involved
SPINA B IF IDA OCCULTA AND CYSTICA
Vertbral arches
defective defective
Skin Patch of hair over the defect
Protrusion in the form of sac
Underlying neural tissue
Not involved Involved alongwith meninges
Region in which they are most common
Lumbosacral Lumbosacral region
S.B with myeloschisis/Rachischisis
S.B. with Meningeocoele
S.B with Meningeomyelocoele
Failure of neural folds to elevate
Only meninges involved
Underlying nervous tissue also involved
WHY DOES HYDROCEPHALUS DEVELOP IN SP.B IF IDA CYSTICA?
Spinal cord is tethered to vertebral column and as it
elongates,it pulls the cerebellum through the
foramen magnum thus cutting off the flow of CSF
and producing hydrocephalus.
TREATMENT
400mg of folic acid is given 2-3 months before
pregnancy and continued throughout the gestation