In embryonic stage, neural tube is the precursor of the brain and spinal cord. The neural tube formation is a very complex process and its fusion occurs between day 21 to day 28 in early pregnancy. Anything abnormal with its fusion can lead to Neural tube defects or NTDs.
Causes of Congenital disorders
These disorders account for the second most common defects that lead to severe disability. There causes include:
Multiple genes
Nutritional factors
Environmental factors
Risk factors
Following risk factors increases the chances of development of congenital abnormalities in embryonic stage:
Family history
Presence of other syndromes and chromosomal disorders
Inadequate folate before and during pregnancy
Anti-epileptic therapy
Classification of NTDs
They can be classified into cranial and spinal defects depending upon the site of involvement or into open and closed depending upon the exposure of neural tissue.
Investigations for detecting congenital abnormalities
During prenatal stage: Prenatal screening should be done to find any congenital abnormality. It should include:
Ultrasound
Measurement of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
Amniocentesis in cases of adequate ultrasound images
After birth: In cases where defects could not be detected in prenatal stage, following diagnostic tests may help to find the abnormalities after birth:
MRI
CT scan
Ultrasound
Management of Congenital abnormalities
Management of any kind of congenital abnormality depends upon the abnormality and its severity. In most of the cases, surgical intervention is required to fix the defect.
My father suffered from stroke for a few years and was in a bedridden condition. We had consulted many hospitals but it was of no use. Later, one of my friends suggested me Chennai Brain and Spine Hospital.
My husband and I came to a relative's house at Chennai. We all were in a vacation trip. But unfortunately, during the journey, my husband fell down from the stairs of a famous shopping mall in Chennai.
