Page 52 - SONO 260 The Fetal Head and Brain
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NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS AND THE BRAIN
¢Neural tube defects occur when the embryonic neural tube fails to close.
Among the list of neural tube defects are cephaloceles, various spinal dysraphisms, anencephaly, and spina bifida.
¢Anencephaly and spina bifida are the most common neural defects, occurring in 1 per 1,000 pregnancies.
Although several causes have been implicated, such as maternal diabetes and the use of valproic acid (seizure medication), chromosomal anomalies, including Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), and triploidy, have all been linked with neural tube defects.
