Spina bifida

Causes & Prevention

What Causes Spina Bifida Is Unclear, But There are Known Risk Factors

As with many diseases, the exact causes of spina bifida and other neural tube disorders is unknown. In fact, 95% of babies with spina bifida and other NTDs are born to parents with no family history of these disorders.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.