Causes of Spina Bifida: Learning About Neural Tube Defects

Spina Bifida is a birth defect that is known as a neural tube defect. This congenital condition can result in a wide range of conditions that affect the spine, bladder, bowels, kidneys, and other body systems. Many of the effects of Spina Bifida will depend on the severity of the condition. Since there are three forms of Spina Bifida, the symptoms and effects a person experiences will depend on which form they were born with. One of the many topics of interest to people who have Spina Bifida is the causes of Spina Bifida. If you’ve been wondering about the causes of Spina Bifida, keep reading to find out what can cause this neural tube defect.

Causes of Spina Bifida: Folic Acid Deficiency

Unfortunately, the exact causes of Spina Bifida are not known (NINDS). One of the most prevalent theories is that a deficiency of folic acid in the mother’s body is one of the main causes of Spina Bifida. Doctors believe that not taking in enough folic acid, whether by food or supplements, can cause the spine not to close completely, leading to the neural tube defect known as Spina Bifida. To keep this from becoming one of the causes of Spina Bifida, pregnant women can take prenatal vitamins and eat a diet rich in folic acid and other vitamins and minerals (NINDS).

Causes of Spina Bifida: Genetics

Genetics seems to be one of the major causes of Spina Bifida. Children born with Spina Bifida are sometimes found to have parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other relatives who have the disease. Unfortunately, the link that causes genetics to be one of the causes of Spina Bifida is not clear. Ninety-five percent of children with Spina Bifida have no family history of the birth defect (March of Dimes).

Causes of Spina Bifida: Environmental Factors

The environment a mother lives in while pregnant with a child can certainly affect the health of her newborn baby. While some scientists think that the environment can be one of the causes of Spina Bifida (NINDS; March of Dimes), there is no clear link between specific environmental factors and the presence of Spina Bifida in children. As a result, it is difficult to warn mothers about environmental risks during their pregnancies.

Causes of Spina Bifida Reference Materials

The following reference materials were used in preparing this article about the causes of Spina Bifida. Consult them if you wish to learn more about Spina Bifida and its causes.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Spina Bifida Fact Sheet.” Retrieved December 18, 2008. Available: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke