Overview of brain and spinal cord birth defects

[Dianne]

Birth defects of the brain and spinal cord can occur in early or late fetal development.
Typical symptoms include intellectual disability, paralysis, incontinence, or loss of sensation in some parts of the body.
The diagnosis is based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Folate taken before pregnancy and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of certain types of defects.
Some defects can be repaired surgically, but brain or spinal cord damage is usually permanent.

Of the many possible defects in the brain and spinal cord, those known as neural tube defects develop within the first weeks of pregnancy. Other defects, including hydrocephalus and microcephaly, develop later in pregnancy.
There are many causes of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, including many previously unknown genetic factors.