A myelomeningocele occurs when the neural tube doesn't close. The extent of physical limitation is directly related to the location of the myelomeningocele on the spine. A low lesion results in fewer problems with mobility, sensation, and bowel and bladder function. Because of medical and technological advances, children with NTDs are living longer. These children have ongoing medical issues and require multiple surgeries throughout their lifetime.
Families sometimes experience difficulty obtaining adequate medical services.
A significant number of these children lack insurance or other funding that makes access to medical care even more challenging. The length and quality of their lives is directly related to preventive care and treatment of complications. The etiology of NTDs is unclear. 5 Researchers suspect that causative factors include a combination of heredity, environment, and vitamin deficiency. When there is a deficiency in folic acid defective cells are produced or cell death occurs.