| umls-concept:C0027794 | skos:definition | MSH: Congenital malformations of the central nervous system and adjacent structures related to defective neural tube closure during the first trimester of pregnancy generally occurring between days 18-29 of gestation. Ectodermal and mesodermal malformations (mainly involving the skull and vertebrae) may occur as a result of defects of neural tube closure. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1992, Ch55, pp31-41),MEDLINEPLUS: <p>Neural tube defects are <a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birthdefects.html'>birth defects</a> of the brain and spinal cord. The two most common neural tube defects are <a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spinabifida.html'>spina bifida</a> and anencephaly. In spina bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy. There is usually nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs. In anencephaly, much of the brain does not develop. Babies with anencephaly are either stillborn or die shortly after birth.</p><p>Getting | lld:umls |
