AbstractNeural tube defect (NTD) is a complex congenital anomaly affecting meninges, vertebral arches, muscle and skin. Spina bifida denotes non-fusion of two vertebral arches causing herniation of meninges and spinal cord through it which is termed as meningomyelocoele (MMC). Meningomeylocoele develops around 4th week of gestation and accounts for an incidence of 1 per 1000 live births. Nearly every case of MMC is associated with hydrocephalus. These neural tube defects form a greater part of fetal morbidity and mortality. Early surgery should be performed because of risk of infection and to prevent further damage to nervous tissue. Proper medical and nutritional advice can reduce the incidence of neural tube defects.
Keywords: Neural Tube Defect; Meningomyelocoele; Hydrocephalus.