Congenital disabilities of the brain and spinal cord can occur in early, or late fetal growth. Some of the common symptoms include paralysis, incontinence, intellectual disability, or loss of sensation in a few parts of the body. The diagnosis of congenital disabilities of the brain and spinal cord is based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Some defects can be repaired by performing surgery, but brain or spinal cord damage is usually permanent. Many children with brain and spinal cord congenital disabilities also have abnormalities that are visible in the head or back. However, Symptoms of the brain or spinal cord damage develops if the defect affects the brain or spinal cord tissue. Some symptoms include:

  •  intellectual disability
  •  Seizures
  • paralysis
  • Spinal cord damage can result in
  •  Paralysis,
  •  Incontinence
  • loss of sensation to areas of the body

What are neural tube defects

Birth defects of the central nervous system are known as neural tube defects, i.e. NTDs. NTDs comprise the conditions called spina bifida, anencephaly as well as encephalocele. They are all present at birth and are owing to a problem with the growth of the brain and spinal cord in the developing baby (fetus). The brain, as well as the spinal cord of a growing fetus, grow from a simple structure termed as the neural tube. The neural tube zips up along its length to close and also to protect the brain and spinal cord. If in case this neural tube does not close at any part along its length, the baby will have a neural tube defect. There are many types of neural tube defects and are due to the place along the neural tube that has not been closed, and which leaves sections of the brain and spinal cord exposed. Many genetic, as well as environmental factors, are responsible for neural tube defects, that includes the pregnant mother having not enough of the vitamin folate as well as some epilepsy medications. As per the specialists consuming an appropriate amount of folate (folic acid) before and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk that a mother will have a baby with this kind of birth defect. There are many best neurology hospitals in India where you can consult top neurologists to get treated. You are at higher risk for having a baby with neural tube defects if in case you

  • Have a family history of NTDs.
  • Take certain medicines to prevent seizures.
  • Are obese.
  • Have diabetes.
  • Are of a certain race as neural tube defects are highest among Hispanics.

What causes neural tube defects?

Normally, a fetus neural tube grows into their brain, spinal cord, as well as the spinal column. A neural tube defect occurs if the tube doesn’t fully form or close completely. Causes of neural tube defects are still unknown, but as per experts may be caused by genetics. Neural tube defects can be passed from parents to children through genes. NTDs also may be caused by many environmental; factors too. Some things in your environment can be harmful to a pregnancy, including certain drugs, cigarette smoke, air pollution as well as lead. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help you to prevent NTDs in your babies. This condition occurs in the first month of pregnancy, before you may know you’re pregnant. Thus, it is important to have enough folic acid in your body before you get pregnant.

Surgery for neural tube defects

 Surgery of neural tube defects is performed to correct the physical malformation. If in case your child spinal cord is exposed to the skin, then it is necessary to get repaired and to prevent it from infection and neurological deficits. After surgery done in the best neurosurgery hospital in India, follow-up care instructed by the surgeon is extremely important to monitor the child’s recovery. Patient’s expert pediatric neurosurgeon will plan the follow-up appointments to make sure your child is making progress. Neural tube defects are diagnosed before the infant is born through lab and imaging tests. However, there is no cure for neural tube defects as the nerve damage as well as the loss of function that are present at birth are permanent. There are many treatments done by the best neurologist working at the best neurosurgery hospital in India that can prevent further damage and can also help with complications.