Neural Tube Defect.

Hello everyone. How has your week been so far? Today we'll be focusing on a topic that is critical to pregnancy and the development of a fetus.

It's Neural Tube Defect.

At about the 3rd week of pregnancy, in the first month, a significant development in the embryo begins. Formation of the what is known as the Neural tube begins. This neural tube is the progenitor organ that develops into the brain and spinal cord, in short the nervous system. During this process certain malformations can occur that leads to what is called Neural Tube Defect.

Definition:

Neural Tube Defect is said to occur when the neural tube fails to close completely and failure of this closure leads to two main types of neural tube defects which are Spina Bifida and Anencephaly.

1. Spina Bifida.

In spina bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn't close completely. There's usually a nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs.

The effects of Spina bifida vary from the appearance of a dimpling or tuft of hair at the base of the spine and a minor abnormality of the vertebrae to complete exposure of the spinal cord which is a condition known as MYELOMENINGOCELE.

2. Anencephaly

In this condition, most of the brain tissue and skull do not develop. Babies with anencephaly are usually either stillborn or die shortly after birth.

Symptoms of Neural Tube Defects.

Symptoms depend on the severity of the disorder and include;

* Paralysis of the legs.

* Abnormalities in the functioning of the bladder and bowels.

* There could be build up of fluid in the skull known as hydrocephalus.

Causes of Neural Tube Defect.

The real cause of neural tube defect is not completely understood but certain factors stand out.

* Genetic predisposition.

* Intake of certain types of anticonvulsant drugs during pregnancy.

* Inadequate intake or deficiency of folic acid and Vit B12.

Diagnosis.

Neural tube defects can be detected early enough while the fetus is still intrauterine. And some of the ways to diagnose such include;

* Ultrasound imaging detects almost all types of neural tube defect.

* Amniotic fluid analysis.

* Triple blood Test.

Pregnant women and women in reproductive age who intend to have children are usually advised to take lots of folic acid as this helps as a preventive measure to the fetus from developing neural tube defects.

Some Natural Sources of Folic acid include;

Beans, spinach, broccoli, citrus fruits.

Credits:

Wikipedia.

emedicine.medscape.com

familydoctor.org.

Photo:

YouTube.

Comments

How much do you know about hernia?

Hello friends. How has the week been for you? Today we'll be looking at something we are familiar with in terms of the name but hardly know what it is and what is responsible for it. I'm talking about hernia. I remember discussing with someone not long ago and he was completely ignorant on what this hernia was all about and that really inspired me to write on it. Hope you enjoy reading as you get informed. ......……..…................................................................. What is Hernia? Hernia simply put, is a condition where there is a weakness in a surrounding muscle or tissue which causes the surrounding organs, mostly the gut to push through it. It could also mean the abnormal be protrusion of tissue or organ such as the bowel through the wall of the cavity in which it normally resides. Hernias are most common in the abdomen but can occur in the upper thigh and groin areas. Hernias can range from being asymptotic to life threatening dependi

Things to note about Constipation.

Today we'll look at a condition that is common to most of us, constipation. ---- ----- ----- ------ ------ -------- ------- ------- --------- --- What is constipation? Constipation is condition of the digestive system where an individual faces infrequent bowel evacuation, or where the faeces are hard and small or where passage of stool is hard and painful. This occurs because the colon has absorbed too much water from the food in the colon ( large intestine). Causes of Constipation. - Lack of dietary fibre in food. - Physical inactivity. - Dehydration. -Medications eg narcotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants. -Consumption of diary products by others. - Over use of laxatives. - Pregnancy. - Resisting the urge to poop. - An underactive thyroid. - Problems with nerves and muscles of the digestive system. - Ageing. Symptoms. - Few bowel movements of less than three times a week. - Hard or small stools. - Bloating. - A feeling that everything didn'

What to do when you have 'PINK EYE'( Conjunctivitis).

Conjuctivitis popularly known as the 'Pink eye' or 'apollo' as it is popularly called in Nigeria is an infection of the white part of the eye ball. This infection is most times caused by bacteria, viruses and allergies. The most common type is the viral infection. According to the University College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria, about 1.5 million cases of conjuctivitis are seen yearly. MODE OF SPREAD. Conjuctivitis can be extremely contagious and can be spread through the following ways; * Through skin to skin contact eg handshake with an infected person. * By touching a surface contaminated with secretions from an infected eye. *Almost all age groups can be affected by this ailment but the most vulnerable group are children between the age of 3-13years. * Though contagious it rarely damages the eye especially when treated on time. SYMPTOMS OF 'PINK EYE'. - Redness. - Thick yellowish discharge that c

jpmreloaded

Search This Blog