Spina Bifida (cont.)
Medical Author:
Mark R Foster, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
William O Shaffer, MD
IN THIS ARTICLE
Spina Bifida CausesBoth 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. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Spina Bifida
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsSpina Bifida - DiagnosisThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How was your child's spina bifida diagnosed? |
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Spina Bifida »
Spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele) is the most complex but treatable central nervous system abnormality.
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