Neural Tube Defects, also known as Spina Bifida.
NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS. an abnormality of the spinal cord or brain
NEURAL TUBE DEFECT. An abnormality where the spine has not closed over the central nervous tissue. If this 'lesion' is at the head, the condition is called anencephaly and is incompatible with life. If it occurs anywhere lower down the spine it is called spina bifida and results in varying degrees of physical and mental disability. Detailed ultrasound scanning is the way in which these abnormalities are confirmed, often following a raised AFP blood test. Most NTDs are 'open' which means that there is no skin over the lesion in the spine; about 1 in 7 cases of spina bifida are 'closed' which means that although the spine has not covered the nervous tissue there is a covering of skin. These closed conditions are less likely to be detected antenatally by the AFP test.
Neural Tube Defect. A fetal birth defect that results from improper development of the brain, spinal cord, or their coverings.
Neural Tube Defect. A defect of the spine or head caused by the incomplete closure of the neural tube in prenatal development.
Neural tube defect. A birth defect that happens when the growing brain, spinal cord, and vertebrae (the bones of the spine) of an unborn baby don't develop properly during the first month of pregnancy.
Neural tube defect, a major birth defect caused by abnormal development of the neural tube, the structure present during embryonic life which gives rise to the central nervous system -- the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common birth defects that cause infant mortality (death) and serious disability. See the entire definition of NTD
Neural Tube Defect. A birth defect caused by abnormal development of the neural tube, the structure which gives rise to the central nervous system. Neural tube defects include anencephaly and spina bifida.
Neural tube defect. Abnormal development of the neural tube in utero, resulting in the birth defect, spina bifida.