What is a Neural Tube Defect?
 
Spina Bifida Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a relatively common birth defect, occurring in approximately one in 1,000 live births in the US. A neural tube defect is an opening in the spinal cord or brain that happens early in human development. The early spinal cord of the embryo starts as a flat area, which turns into a tube (the neural tube) twenty-eight days after the baby has been conceived. When the neural tube doesn't close entirely, a neural tube defect develops. Neural tube defects (NTDs) typically develop before the women are even aware that they are pregnant.

There are two main kinds of neural tube defects (NTDs). The more common type are called the open neural tube defects (NTDs). Open neural tube defects happen when the brain and/or spinal cord are uncovered at birth through a defect in the skull or vertebrae. Examples of open neural tube defects are spina bifida (myelomeningocele), anencephaly, and encephalocele. Rarer types of neural tube defects are called closed neural tube defects. Closed neural tube defects occur when the spinal defect is covered by skin. Common examples of closed neural tube defects are lipomyelomeningocele, lipomeningocele, and tethered cord.

Finally, spina bifida occulta (SBO) is potentially another type of neural tube defect in which there is a typically non-symptom-causing bony change in one or more vertebrae, but not involving the nerves within the spinal column. The incidence of spina bifida occulta is not well defined; however, it is more common than the neural tube defects mentioned above.
 
Neural Tube Defect Prevention

Researchers found that 50-70% of neural tube defects can be prevented if women supplement their diet with folic acid, a water-soluble B vitamin. The Centers for Disease Control suggested all women of childbearing age consume a diet with high amounts of folic acid or take a multivitamin with 0.4mg of folic acid every day, especially one month prior to conception through the first three months of their pregnancy. 0.4 milligrams is the amount commonly found in most over the counter multivitamins.

However, women who have already had a neural tube defect pregnancy are suggested to take an even larger dosage of folic acid prior to becoming pregnant. They should consider increasing the daily dose of folic acid from 0.4mg to 4.0mg, one month prior to conception and continue that dosage through the first three months of pregnancy. The 4.0mg of folic acid should only be obtained through a prescription from the doctor.

Neural Tube Defect Detection

A majority of neural tube defects can be detected before birth by one of three different prenatal tests:

• Maternal Serum Alpha Fetoprotein - a screening test that is performed by a doctor on a pregnant woman's blood when she is approximately 16-18 weeks pregnant
• High Resolution Ultrasound - can detect a neural tube defect visually when the mother is approximately 16 weeks pregnant. Some severe types of neural tube defects such as anencephaly, can possibly be detected earlier than 16 weeks
• Amniocentesis - a test that samples the amniotic fluid when the woman is approximately 15 weeks pregnant
  There are a range of potential risks (such as miscarriage) and benefits (such as advance preparation for any special medical care a baby with a neural tube defect will need after delivery) to each of these tests.

Spina Bifida Neural Tube Defect Lawsuit: Speak to a Lawyer

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child's Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele? Did it happen during pregnancy? The following medications may be linked to causing the development of Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele of unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took them while pregnant:

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Depakote, Tegretol, and Topamax cases. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney's fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.

Can Depakote, Topamax or Tegretol Cause Neural Tube Defects & Spina Bifida?

In a 2006 medical study published in the Journal of Neurology the commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs like Depakote present a higher risk of developing neural tube defects in the feus (unborn baby). Such neural tube defects include Spina Bifida Occulta, Spina Bifida Meningocele and Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele.  The results of a 2010 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine did not contradict those findings. The harmful birth defects associated with Valproic Acid have also been noted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA issued a warning about medicines containing or derived from Valproic Acid in 2006. ( See FDA DEPAKOTE WARNING)

Types of Spina Bifida associated with Depakote usage during pregnancy may include:

1.     Spina Bifida Occulta is the mildest and most common form in which one or more vertebrae are malformed.  The name "occulta," which means "hidden," indicates that the malformation, or opening in the spine, is covered by a layer of skin.  This form of spina bifida rarely causes disability or symptoms. 

2.     Spina Bifida Closed neural tube defects make up the second type of spina bifida.  This form consists of a diverse group of spinal defects in which the spinal cord is marked by a malformation of fat, bone, or membranes.  In some patients there are few or no symptoms; in others the malformation causes incomplete paralysis with urinary and bowel dysfunction.

3.     Spina Bifida Meningocele, the meninges protrude from the spinal opening, and the malformation may or may not be covered by a layer of skin.   Some patients with meningocele may have few or no symptoms while others may experience symptoms similar to closed neural tube defects.

4.     Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, the fourth form, is the most severe and occurs when the spinal cord is exposed through the opening in the spine, resulting in partial or complete paralysis of the parts of the body below the spinal opening. The paralysis may be so severe that the affected individual is unable to walk and may have urinary and bowel dysfunction.