December 2, 2008

Font Size
A
A
A

Spina Bifida (cont.)

Spina Bifida Causes

Both genetic factors (heredity) and environmental factors, such as nutrition and exposure to harmful substances, probably contribute to spina bifida. Spina bifida does seem to run in families, although with mixed patterns of inheritance. Having a child with spina bifida increases the chance that another child will also have spina bifida by 8 times. In about 95% of cases of spina bifida, however, there is no family history of neural tube defects.
 
Research has suggested that many cases of spina bifida can be prevented by adequate intake of folic acid (folate) before and during early pregnancy. However, people with spina bifida appear to have abnormal metabolism of folic acid. This suggests that the underlying problem in spina bifida may be an inborn defect in folic acid metabolism rather than a simple deficiency in this nutrient.



Next: Spina Bifida Symptoms »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Parenting and Pregnancy

Get tips for baby and you.

eMedicineHealth is a first aid and consumer health information site written by physicians for patients and consumers.
WebMD Symptom Checker - Start Here

Overscheduled Families Overscheduled Families
Do you run your kids from one activity to another, day after day? If so, you should take a minute to watch.See more WebMD Videos »

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow

Search Medical Dictionary