Neural Tube Defects Workup

  • Author: George I Jallo, MD; Chief Editor: Amy Kao, MD   more...
 
Updated: Mar 22, 2011
 

Imaging Studies

  • MRI is the study of choice for imaging neural tissue and for identifying contents of the defect in the newborn. This is not routinely performed in the neonate unless unusual deficits not associated with the open defect are present. This allows for visualization of associated anomalies, both intraspinal and intracranial.
  • CT scan allows direct visualization of the bony defect and anatomy. This study is also used to determine the presence or absence of hydrocephalus or other intracranial anomalies, although exposure of young children to radiation from CT studies should be considered.
  • Ultrasonography is used antenatally for screening. Postnatally, its role has been limited because of advances in other imaging modalities. Quickly screening for hydrocephalus is also helpful.
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Other Tests

  • Urodynamics
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

George I Jallo, MD  Professor of Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, and Oncology, Director, Clinical Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

George I Jallo, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Medical Association, and American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons

Disclosure: Codman (Johnson & Johnson) Grant/research funds Consulting; Medtronic Grant/research funds Consulting

Specialty Editor Board

Robert Stanley Rust Jr, MD, MA  Thomas E Worrell Jr Professor of Epileptology and Neurology, Co-Director of FE Dreifuss Child Neurology and Epilepsy Clinics, Director, Child Neurology, University of Virginia; Chair-Elect, Child Neurology Section, American Academy of Neurology

Robert Stanley Rust Jr, MD, MA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, American Headache Society, American Neurological Association, Child Neurology Society, International Child Neurology Association, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Kenneth J Mack, MD, PhD  Senior Associate Consultant, Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Mayo Clinic

Kenneth J Mack, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, Child Neurology Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Neuroscience

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Amy Kao, MD  Attending Neurologist, Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC

Amy Kao, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Epilepsy Society, and Child Neurology Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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