Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Living with Spina Bifida
  This series of articles and resources discusses living with spina bifida at different stages of life.
• March of Dimes: Neural Tube Defects
  This site offers information about the most common neural tube defects, their risks, and their prevention. The March of Dimes also supports research on neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies, prematurity, and infant health.
• MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: Neural Tube Defects
  This NIH website provides a brief overview of NTDs, with links to a wide array of related information.
• Spina Bifida Association
  • What Is Spina Bifida? 
    In addition to answers to many questions about spina bifida, this site contains links to information and resources.
  • Clinics . This page provides links to clinics in each state that specialize in care and treatment for spina bifida.

Please note: Links to organizations and information included on this page do not indicate endorsement from NICHD, NIH, or HHS.

• NICHD resources:
  • Developmental Biology and Congenital Anomalies Branch (DBCAB), Division of Extramural Research
    DBCAB supports research and training focused on understanding the causes of structural congenital anomalies, including NTDs, as well as typical embryonic development.
    • Congenital Anomalies Initiative 
  • Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research
    The Epidemiology Branch conducts research on NTDs and other congenital anomalies. Examples of its work include the following:
    • Congenital Anomalies Research Group
    • Genetic Factors in Congenital Anomalies Study
  • National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR)
    Through basic, translational, and clinical research, NCMRR fosters development of scientific knowledge needed to enhance the health, productivity, independence, and quality of life of people with physical disabilities. NCMRR also coordinates rehabilitation research and activities across NIH, including leading the 2021 revision of the NIH Research Plan on Rehabilitation (PDF 1.51 MB).
  • International Conference on Neural Tube Defects 
    This NICHD-supported conference brings together researchers interested in the causes, consequences, and prevention of NTDs, fosters multidisciplinary collaborations, and provides trainees a chance to learn about career opportunities in NTD research.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  • Spina Bifida Program Overview. (PDF - 340 KB) This document summarizes the work of the CDC’s National Spina Bifida Program at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
  • Research and Tracking on Spina Bifida. This webpage contains information about CDC research on spina bifida; links to abstracts for peer-reviewed publications; and other resources, such as data and statistics.
  • Folic Acid: Research. This webpage contains information about CDC research on folic acid, including current guidelines, research, and links to abstracts for peer-reviewed publications.
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Folate
  This webpage provides information on folate, including recommended dietary allowances and food sources.
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: Preventive Medication 
  This site contains links to the latest recommendations on use of folic acid.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): ACOG Practice Bulletin: Neural Tube Defects [Abstract]
  This practice bulletin provides recommendations for health care providers on prevention, screening, and in utero treatment of neural tube defects.
• Spina Bifida Association 
  The Spina Bifida Association’s website provides resources for health care providers, patients, and their families, including a research page , a list of clinics , and a latex list .

Please note: Links to organizations and information included on this page do not indicate endorsement from NICHD, NIH, or HHS.