What does NTD mean in SYNDROMES

A Neural Tube Defect (NTD) is a type of birth defect that affects the brain, spine or spinal cord of a developing baby. It occurs when the neural tube fails to close properly during early stages of development.

Common signs and symptoms associated with an NTD include seizures, paralysis, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), developmental delay and mental retardation. Babies born with an NTD may have physical deformities such as cleft lip/palate or gaps in their skull bones.

Yes, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk for an NTD including taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy, reducing exposure to certain toxins such as tobacco smoke and alcohol, eating healthy foods and maintaining good general health.

Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of an individual's NTD but can include surgery, medications to manage seizures or other symptoms associated with NTDs, physical therapy or occupational therapy to improve movement abilities, speech therapy to improve communication skills and dietary changes to assist with nutrition needs.

Women who have previously had a child with an NTD are more likely to have another child with one; those over 40; women who take certain medications for epilepsy; those suffering from diabetes; have family members with spina bifida; have had abdominal radiation treatment; or consume high levels of alcohol during pregnancyare all at increased risk for having a baby with an NTD.