Spina Bifida vs. Anencephaly: Understanding Neural Tube Defects

Spina Bifida and Anencephaly are two neural tube defects that occur during pregnancy.

Spina Bifida:

- Spina Bifida is a condition where the spine and spinal cord do not develop properly.

- It occurs when the neural tube fails to close completely during the early stages of pregnancy.

- The spinal cord and the nerves may be exposed through an opening in the back.

- Spina Bifida can range in severity from mild (where there may be only a small gap in the spine) to severe (where there is extensive damage to the spinal cord and nerves)

- People with Spina Bifida may experience a variety of symptoms, including paralysis, incontinence, and difficulty walking.

Anencephaly:

- Anencephaly is a more severe neural tube defect in which the major part of the brain, the skull, and the scalp do not develop.

- In severe cases, most of the brain is missing.

- Babies born with Anencephaly are usually stillborn or die shortly after birth.