NEURAL TUBE DEFECT TREATMENT
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) are severe birth defects of the brain and spinal cord that occur during early fetal development. This comprehensive guide will elucidate the nature of NTDs, their root causes, diagnostic methods, and the various non-surgical and surgical treatments available.
What are Neural Tube Defects?
Neural Tube Defects are abnormalities that occur during the development of the baby’s brain, spine, or spinal cord in the first month of pregnancy. The most common types include spina bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele.
Spina bifida, the most common type, is when a part of the spinal cord protrudes through an opening in the spine, causing nerve damage and physical disability. Anencephaly, often fatal, results in the incomplete development of the brain and skull. Encephalocele, the rarest form, is a sac-like protrusion of the brain through an opening in the skull.
Causes of Neural Tube Defects
The exact cause of NTDs is not well understood, but they’re believed to be a result of a complex interplay of genetic, nutritional, and environmental risk factors. Maternal deficiency of folic acid, a type of Vitamin B, before conception and during early pregnancy is significantly linked to increased risk. Other factors include maternal diabetes, obesity, exposure to high temperatures, and the use of certain medications during pregnancy.
Diagnosing Neural Tube Defects
Diagnosis of NTDs can occur both during pregnancy and after the baby’s birth. Prenatal screenings include blood tests, ultrasound scans, and amniocentesis.
Blood tests, such as the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) test, screen for elevated protein levels that can indicate NTDs. Detailed ultrasound scans can often detect physical abnormalities in the fetus. Amniocentesis involves extracting a small sample of amniotic fluid to test for abnormalities in the baby’s chromosomes.
After birth, a physical examination can typically identify NTDs. Additional tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be used to determine the extent of the defect.
Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment for Neural Tube Defects
Treatment for NTDs varies greatly depending on the type and severity of the defect.
Non-Surgical Treatments: These primarily include managing symptoms and preventing complications. For instance, individuals with spina bifida may need catheterization or medications to manage bladder problems. Physical therapy can improve mobility and day-to-day function.
Surgical Treatments: In many cases, surgery is required. The specific procedure will depend on the nature and severity of the defect.
For example, in the case of spina bifida, a surgeon may perform a prenatal surgery during the mother’s pregnancy to close the opening in the baby’s spine. This surgery can reduce the severity of disabilities but carries risks of premature birth and other complications.
Postnatal surgery, performed after birth, can close the defect and minimize the risk of infection or further trauma. Shunts can be placed to manage hydrocephalus, a common condition in individuals with NTDs where excess fluid builds up in the brain.
As is evident, the management of NTDs is a complex, multifaceted process involving an interdisciplinary team of specialists. Significant advancements in medical science, particularly in the realm of prenatal surgery, have opened new horizons for the management of NTDs, enabling those affected to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Why Choose Us?
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we have been providing top-quality neurosurgical treatment options for almost a decade under the guidance and leadership of Op. Dr. Özgür Akşan. Our team is comprised of highly experienced and skilled surgeons, including Dr. Özgür Akşan, Dr. Nail Özdemir, and Dr. Feryal Akşan, all of them having more than 20 years of experience in medicine.
We offer a wide range of treatment options for various neurosurgical conditions, including herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, cervical disc herniation, Chiari malformation, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Our team is highly skilled in performing advanced neurosurgical procedures, such as microsurgical discectomy, endoscopic discectomy, spinal fusion instrumentation, craniotomy, craniectomy, gamma-knife radiation therapy, and many more.
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we are committed to providing personalized care and tailored treatment plans for each patient based on their unique needs and medical history. Our clinic in Izmir is equipped with the latest technology and we are working with private hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest level of care for our patients.
Choose Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye for your neurosurgical needs and experience the expertise and care of our highly trained team of neurosurgeons, led by Dr. Özgür Akşan himself.