A neural tube defect is among the most common and serious of birth defects. During pregnancy, the human brain and spine begin as a flat plate of cells. As the fetus develops, the plate rolls into a tube, called the neural tube. If all or part of the neural tube fails to close, leaving an opening, this is known as an open neural tube defect.
Condition
Neural Tube Defects
Diagnosing and treating neural tube defects
Our team is here to provide expert care for your child with neural tube defects. We are here to answer all your questions and support your family along the way. Each child's treatment plan is highly customized to ensure your child always receives the very best care.
What Are Neural Tube Defects
Types of Neural Tube Defects
Neural tube defects include:
Anencephaly
Anencephaly is a condition present at birth that affects the formation of the brain and the skull. Thos results in only brain that doesn’t fully develop. Often, the brain lacks part or all of the cerebrum (the area of the brain that is responsible for thinking, vision, hearing, touch and movement). There is no bone covering over the back of the head and there may also be missing bones around the front and sides of the head. Without the cerebrum, there can be no consciousness and the baby cannot survive.
Encephaloceles
An encephalocele is a rare disorder in which the bones of the skull do not close completely. This creates a gap through which cerebral spinal fluid, brain tissue and the meninges (the membrane that covers the brain) can protrude into a sac-like formation.
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a defect in the development of the spine, resulting in a lack of skin and tissue covering the spinal cord. Normally, the neural tube closes by the fourth week of pregnancy. But in spina bifida, the neural tube does not close completely, leaving the baby’s delicate spine open to possible injury.
Types of spina bifida include:
- Spina bifida occulta
- Meningocele
- Myelomeningocele
Neural Tube Defects Treatments We Offer
Specific treatment for neural tube defects will be based on a number of factors, including:
- Your child's age, overall health and medical history
- Extent of the condition and the type of neural tube defect
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the condition
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment includes:
- Surgery
- Physical, occupational or speech therapy
- Equipment
- Medications
- Catheterization
Palliative and Hospice Care
Sometimes, if the defect is large and/or other anomalies are found, we may recommend palliative care for your baby. This means we support the baby with food, comfort and oxygen as needed, but we do not perform surgery or extend your baby’s life with any type of life-support machinery. Hospice is also an option.
Experiencing the loss of a child can be very traumatic. Grief counseling services are available to help you cope with the loss of your child.
Why Choose the Children’s Wisconsin for Neural Tube Defects
Expert care: The Neurosciences Center at Children’s Wisconsin is the largest and most comprehensive in the state. We pride ourselves on providing innovative clinical care for your child. We also advance the development of pediatric neurological, neuropsychological, neurosurgical and neurological rehabilitative treatment options.
High national rankings: The Neurosciences Center at Children's Wisconsin ranks among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Our neuroimaging program has been designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, making it the third pediatric hospital in the United States to earn the award.
Cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options: We offer the most advanced diagnosis and treatment options for various neurological and neurosurgical conditions. Each child's treatment plan is customized to ensure your child always receives the very best care.
Outstanding surgical quality: We're the only Level 1 Children's Surgery Center (highest level possible) in the state. We have superior neurosurgical outcomes, and we offer both minimally invasive and traditional surgical options for various conditions. Our board-certified pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with patient families to determine the best option for each child.
Our Doctors
At Children's Wisconsin, our doctors are 100% committed to the health and well-being of kids. They care for every aspect of a child's health, including their physical, social, dental and mental well-being. We are a community of dedicated professionals who shares an unwavering passion to care for kids whenever and wherever they need us.
