Related Diseases - Birth Defects Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention on MedicineNet.com

Birth Defects Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Birth Defects. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Birth Defects or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

Hernia A hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscular structure of the wall of the abdomen. This defect causes a bulging of the...learn more »
In This Article
Hernia Article
- Abdominal hernia facts
- What is an abdominal hernia?
- Where are abdominal hernias located?
- What are abdominal hernia symptoms and signs?
- What are the different types of abdominal hernias?
- How is an abdominal hernia repaired?
- What is laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery?
- What about the use of a laser in abdominal hernia repair?
- What kind of anesthesia is used for abdominal hernia surgery?
- Can strengthening the muscles make an abdominal hernia go away?
- What can be done to prevent an abdominal hernia?
- Are abdominal hernias inherited?
- Do abdominal hernias usually develop on both sides of the body?
- Should all abdominal hernias be repaired?
- How can a person determine if a lump or swelling is an abdominal hernia?
Aneurysm (Brain) Brain aneurysm (cerebral aneurysm) is caused by microscopic damage to artery walls, infections of the artery walls, tumors,...learn more »
In This Article
Aneurysm (Brain) Article
- Brain aneurysm facts
- What is a brain aneurysm and what causes a brain aneurysm?
- What are the signs and symptoms of brain aneurysm?
- How is brain aneurysm diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for brain aneurysm?
- What is the outcome of brain aneurysm?
- What are future directions for the treatment of brain aneurysm?
Alcoholism Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as...learn more »
In This Article
Alcoholism Article
- Alcoholism and alcohol abuse facts
- What is alcohol abuse?
- What is alcoholism?
- What differentiates alcohol abuse from alcoholism?
- What are risk factors for alcoholism?
- What causes alcoholism? Is alcoholism hereditary?
- What are alcohol abuse and alcoholism symptoms and signs in teenagers, women, men, and the elderly?
- How is alcoholism diagnosed?
- What are the stages of alcoholism?
- What is the treatment for alcoholism?
- What medications treat alcoholism?
- How can you tell if someone has a drinking problem?
- Can an alcoholic just cut back or stop drinking?
- Is there a safe level of drinking?
- Is it safe to drink alcohol while pregnant?
- How can someone find more information or get help or support to treat alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
- What are the long-term physical and psychological effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
- What is codependency and what is the treatment for codependency?
- Can alcoholism be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of alcoholism?
Scoliosis Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown the disorder is described based on...learn more »
In This Article
Scoliosis Article
- Scoliosis facts
- What is scoliosis?
- What causes scoliosis?
- What are the symptoms and signs of scoliosis?
- How is scoliosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for scoliosis?
- What is the prognosis for scoliosis?
- Is there a cure for scoliosis?
- Where can people get more information on scoliosis?
Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. The fluid is often under...learn more »
In This Article
Hydrocephalus Article
- Hydrocephalus facts
- What is hydrocephalus?
- What are the different types of hydrocephalus?
- Who gets this hydrocephalus?
- What causes hydrocephalus?
- What are the symptoms and signs of hydrocephalus?
- How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?
- What is the current treatment for hydrocephalus?
- What are the possible complications of a shunt system?
- What is the prognosis for hydrocephalus?
- What research is being done on hydrocephalus?
- Where can I get more information about hydrocephalus?
Miscarriage A miscarriage is any pregnancy that ends spontaneously before the fetus can survive. Miscarriage usually occurs before the 13th...learn more »
In This Article
Miscarriage Article
- What is a miscarriage?
- What causes a miscarriage, and what are the tests for the different causes?
- What does NOT cause miscarriage?
- Are there lifestyle factors associated with miscarriage?
- What are the symptoms of a miscarriage?
- What will the doctor look for during an examination with suspected miscarriage?
- How is threatened abortion evaluated?
- What are common terms a woman might hear during evaluation for miscarriage?
- What treatment can a woman expect when she has had a miscarriage?
- When should a woman receive evaluation for underlying causes of pregnancy loss?
- Can something be done to prevent future miscarriages?
- Miscarriage At A Glance
Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis (toxo) is a parasitic infection that causes flulike symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches and pains that...learn more »
In This Article
Toxoplasmosis Article
- Toxoplasmosis facts
- What is toxoplasmosis?
- What is the cause of toxoplasmosis?
- What factors increase the risk of acquiring toxo?
- What are the usual symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
- Why do some people develop severe problems from toxo?
- Can toxoplasmosis develop into a more serious illness in babies?
- What is meant by a baby developing "a more severe case of toxo"?
- How is toxo diagnosed in the lab?
- How can toxoplasmosis be prevented?
- Am I able to keep my cat?
- Once infected with toxo, is my cat always able to spread the infection to me?
- What is the treatment for toxoplasmosis?
- What is the prognosis for toxoplasmosis?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Alcohol intake by a pregnant mother may result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in her child. A child with FAS may be hyperactive...learn more »
In This Article
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Article
- What is fetal alcohol syndrome?
- What are fetal alcohol syndrome symptoms and signs?
- How is the diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome made?
- What is the diagnosis "fetal alcohol effects"?
- What problems are peculiar to children with fetal alcohol syndrome?
- What causes fetal alcohol syndrome?
- How much alcohol is safe during pregnancy?
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome At A Glance
Learning Disabilities Learning disabilities can cause an individual to have trouble learning and using skills such as reading, listening, writing,...learn more »
In This Article
Learning Disabilities Article
- What are learning disabilities?
- How common are learning disabilities?
- What are the signs of a learning disability?
- What about school and learning disabilities?
- Tips for parents of children with learning disabilities
- Tips for teachers of children with learning disabilities
- Is there any treatment for learning disabilities?
- What is the prognosis for learning disabilities?
- What research is being done for learning disabilities?
- For more information
Microcephaly Microcephaly is a genetic condition where the circumference of the head is smaller than normal due to underdeveloped brain....learn more »
In This Article
Microcephaly Article
- Microcephaly facts*
- What is microcephaly?
- What causes microcephaly?
- What are the signs and symptoms of microcephaly?
- Is there any treatment for microcephaly?
- What is the prognosis for microcephaly?
- What research is being done on microcephaly?
- For more information
Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is an abnormality of motor function and postural tone acquired at an early age (even before birth). Cerebral...learn more »
In This Article
Cerebral Palsy Article
- Cerebral palsy facts
- What is cerebral palsy?
- What are causes of cerebral palsy?
- What are symptoms and signs of cerebral palsy?
- What are the types of cerebral palsy?
- What is spastic cerebral palsy?
- What is dyskinetic cerebral palsy?
- What is ataxic cerebral palsy?
- What is dystonic cerebral palsy?
- What is choreoathetoid cerebral palsy?
- What is hypotonic cerebral palsy?
- What is mixed cerebral palsy?
- What other conditions are associated with cerebral palsy?
- How is a child evaluated for cerebral palsy?
- How is cerebral palsy treated?
- What are specific treatment plans for cerebral palsy?
- What is the long-term outlook for patients with cerebral palsy?
Phenylketonuria Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disorder that is inherited. PKU disorder increases the levels of phenylalanine in the blood....learn more »
In This Article
Phenylketonuria Article
- What is phenylketonuria (PKU)?
- What are the symptoms of phenylketonuria?
- How common is phenylketonuria?
- What genes are related to phenylketonuria?
- How do people inherit phenylketonuria?
- What other names do people use for phenylketonuria?
Angelman Syndrome Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that results from the absence of a functional copy of the UBE3A gene inherited from the...learn more »
In This Article
Angelman Syndrome Article
- Angelman syndrome facts*
- What is Angelman syndrome?
- What are the characteristics, signs, and symptoms of Angelman syndrome?
- Is there any treatment for Angelman syndrome?
- What is the prognosis for Angelman syndrome?
- What research is being done with Angelman syndrome?
- For more information
Trisomy 18 Trisomy 18 is an chromosomal condition that causes severe birth defects in newborns. Many babies born with trisomy 18 do not live...learn more »
In This Article
Trisomy 18 Article
- Trisomy 18 facts
- What is trisomy 18?
- What are the chromosome basics of trisomy 18?
- What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of trisomy 18?
- How common is trisomy 18?
- How is trisomy 18 diagnosed?
- Can people with trisomy 18 survive to adulthood?
- Is there any treatment for trisomy 18?
Poland Syndrome Poland syndrome is a congenital malformation that affects one side of the body. Characteristics of Poland syndrome include the...learn more »
In This Article
Poland Syndrome Article
- What is Poland syndrome?
- Can Poland syndrome affect either side of the body?
- How frequent is Poland syndrome?
- What causes Poland syndrome?
- What are the features of Poland syndrome?
- What other defects are associated with Poland syndrome?
- Does Poland syndrome run in families?
- How is Poland syndrome diagnosed?
- How is Poland syndrome treated?
- What are the related (alternative) terms?
- For more information
- Poland Syndrome At A Glance
Genetic Disease Genetic disease is a disorder or condition caused by abnormalities in a person's genome. Types of genetic inheritance include...learn more »
In This Article
Genetic Disease Article
- What is a genetic disease?
- What are the different types of inheritance?
- Single gene inheritance
- Multifactorial inheritance
- Chromosome abnormalities
- Mitochondrial inheritance
- What is the human genome?
Prevention Enjoying a healthy diet helps to prevent diseases. A good diet also helps to control celiac disease, diabetes, and high blood...learn more »
In This Article
Prevention Article
- Maintaining health
- Preventing and controlling diseases
- Vitamins and minerals to maintain health
- Vitamin supplements to prevent diseases
- Diets to control and or treat disease
Achondroplasia A common form of short stature, achondroplasia (dwarfism) is a genetic condition causing a disorder of bone growth. Complications...learn more »
In This Article
Achondroplasia Article
- Achondroplasia facts
- What is achondroplasia?
- What are the characteristics of achondroplasia?
- How is achondroplasia diagnosed?
- What can be done for patients with achondroplasia?
- How is achondroplasia inherited?
- What if someone with achondroplasia has children?
- What if two people with achondroplasia have children?
- What gene causes achondroplasia?
Ventricular Septal Defect A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart malformation. A VSD is a hole in the wall of the heart's two lower...learn more »
In This Article
Ventricular Septal Defect Article
- What is a ventricular septal defect (VSD)?
- How common is a VSD?
- What is the normal design of the heart?
- How do VSDs cause problems?
- How is a VSD diagnosed? What are the symptoms of a VSD?
- What if the VSD is small?
- How is a small VSD treated?
- What if the VSD is large?
- How is a large VSD treated?
- What types of surgery are available to correct a VSD?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) after a VSD is repaired?
- What are complications of VSD surgery?
- What about unusual cases of VSD?
- What are long-term precautions with VSDs?
- Ventricular Septal Defect At A Glance
Shingles and Pregnancy Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy could cause birth defects in your unborn child. Likewise, shingles could also...learn more »
In This Article
Shingles and Pregnancy Article
- What are the symptoms of shingles, and how is shingles diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for shingles during pregnancy?
- Can shingles be prevented?
- What are shingles complications during pregnancy?
Genetic Counseling Your health care provider may refer you to a genetic professional. Universities and medical centers also often have affiliated...learn more »
In This Article
Genetic Counseling Article
- What are genetic professionals and what do they do?
- What is genetic counseling and evaluation?
- How do I find a genetic professional?
- How do I decide whether I need to see a geneticist or other specialist?
Branchial Cyst A branchial cyst is a congenital remnant from embryologic development that appears on the side of the neck. The cyst may develop...learn more »
In This Article
Branchial Cyst Article
- What is branchial cyst? What is its origin?
- What are symptoms of a branchial cyst?
- What are structures in the neck that can be similar to a branchial cyst?
- How is a branchial cyst treated?
Spina Bifida and Anencephaly (Neural Tube Defects) Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect in the United States. There are four types of spina bifida; 1) occulta, 2)...learn more »
In This Article
Spina Bifida and Anencephaly (Neural Tube Defects) Article
- Introduction to spina bifida
- What is spina bifida?
- What are the different types of spina bifida?
- What causes spina bifida?
- What are the signs and symptoms of spina bifida?
- What are the complications of spina bifida?
- How is spina bifida diagnosed?
- How is spina bifida treated?
- Can spina bifida be prevented?
- What is the prognosis for spina bifida?
- What research is being done on spina bifida?
- Where can I get more information?
Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by port-wine stains or birthmark malformations in the skin,...learn more »
In This Article
Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome Article
- What is Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome?
- What is a port-wine stain?
- What is asymmetrical limb hypertrophy?
- Are there other abnormalities in Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome?
- How is intelligence affected?
- What is the basic defect in Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome?
- What causes Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) with Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome?
- Why is it called Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome?
- Alternative names for Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome
Choledochal Cysts Choledochal cysts are cysts of the bile ducts. There are several different types of choledochal cysts. These cysts are...learn more »
In This Article
Choledochal Cysts Article
- What is a choledochal cyst?
- What are the symptoms and complications of choledochal cysts?
- How are choledochal cysts diagnosed?
- How are choledochal cysts treated?
Congenital Heart Defects Congenital heart defects are heart problems that are present at birth. Genetics may play a role in some heart defects. Symptoms...learn more »
In This Article
Congenital Heart Defects Article
- What are congenital heart defects?
- How the heart works
- What are the types of congenital heart defects?
- What are other names for congenital heart defects?
- What causes congenital heart defects?
- What are the signs and symptoms and signs of congenital heart defects?
- How are congential heart defects diagnosed??
- How are congenital heart defects treated?
- Living with a congenital heart defect
- Congenital Heart Disease At A Glance
Thallium Thallium is a metal that can be found in small amounts in the soil. When thallium enters the environment through coal-burning or...learn more »
In This Article
Thallium Article
- What is thallium?
- What happens to thallium when it enters the environment?
- How might I be exposed to thallium?
- How can thallium affect my health?
- How likely is thallium to cause cancer?
- Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to thallium?
- Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?
- Where can I get more information?
Pregnancy Planning Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and...learn more »
In This Article
Pregnancy Planning Article
- Pregnancy Planning Facts
- What is pregnancy planning and why is it important?
- What are pregnancy symptoms?
- What is a pregnancy calculator and calendar?
- Who effective are home pregnancy tests?
- How can diet and nutrition affect early pregnancy?
- How does alcohol affect pregnancy?
- How do high blood pressure and diabetes affect pregnancy?
- What are examples of commonly-used medications that are dangerous in pregnancy?
- How do kidney and heart disease affect pregnancy?
- What infections affect pregnancy?
- What inherited (genetic) diseases can play a role in pregnancy planning?
- Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
- Can I travel by air during pregnancy?
- Can I have intercourse during pregnancy?
- How soon after stopping birth control can I become pregnant?
- How do we maximize our chances of becoming pregnant?
- Can I do something to help my chances of conceiving a boy or a girl?
1p36 Deletion Syndrome 1p36 deletion syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes severe intellectual disability. Characteristics of 1p36 deletion sndrome...learn more »
In This Article
1p36 Deletion Syndrome Article
- 1p36 deletion syndrome facts
- What is and what causes 1p36 deletion syndrome?
- What are the characteristics, signs, and symptoms of 1p36 deletion syndrome?
- What is the treatment for 1p36 deletion syndrome?
- What is the prognosis and life expectancy for 1p36 deletion syndrome?
- Conclusion
German Measles (Rubella) German measles is a disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include rash and fever for two to three days. The MMR (measles,...learn more »
In This Article
German Measles (Rubella) Article
- What is rubella (German measles)?
- What are rubella symptoms and signs?
- What are the complications of rubella?
- How is rubella spread from person to person?
- Can rubella be prevented with a vaccine?
- Does my child need the rubella vaccine (MMR)?
- As an adult, do I need the rubella vaccine (MMR)?
Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip Cleft palate and cleft lip are facial and oral defects that occur early in pregnancy. A cleft lip is a split of the two sides of...learn more »
In This Article
Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip Article
- What is a cleft palate and cleft lip?
- Who gets cleft lip and cleft palate?
- What causes a cleft lip and cleft palate?
- How are cleft lip and cleft palate diagnosed?
- What problems are associated with cleft lip and/or cleft palate?
- Who treats children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate?
- What's the treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate?
- What is the prognosis for children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate?
- Do children with cleft lips or cleft palates have special dental needs?
Kidney Dysplasia Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which one or both of a baby's kidneys do not develop normally. In kidney dysplasia, cysts...learn more »
In This Article
Kidney Dysplasia Article
- What is kidney dysplasia?
- How does kidney dysplasia happen?
- What causes kidney dysplasia?
- What are the signs or complications of kidney dysplasia?
- How is kidney dysplasia diagnosed?
- How is kidney dysplasia treated?
- What is the long-term outlook for a child with kidney dysplasia?
- Questions to ask the doctor
- Points to remember
Pendred Syndrome Pendred syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes hearing loss. Generally, the hearing loss is affected in early childhood....learn more »
In This Article
Pendred Syndrome Article
- What is Pendred syndrome?
- How does Pendred syndrome affect other parts of the body?
- What causes Pendred syndrome?
- How is Pendred syndrome diagnosed?
- How common is Pendred syndrome?
- Can Pendred syndrome be treated?
- What research is being conducted?
Canavan Disease Canavan disease is an inherited genetic disorder that typically causes death before 10 years of age. Signs and symptoms of the...learn more »
In This Article
Canavan Disease Article
- What is Canavan disease?
- What causes Canavan disease?
- What are the symptoms of Canavan disease?
- Is there any treatment for Canavan disease?
- What is the prognosis for Canavan disease?
- What research is being done on Canavan disease?
- For more information
Caregiving Most often, caregivers take care of other adults who are ill or disabled. Less often, caregivers are grandparents raising their...learn more »
In This Article
Caregiving Article
- What is a caregiver?
- Who are our nation's caregivers?
- What is caregiver stress?
- How can I tell if caregiving is putting too much stress on me?
- What can I do to prevent stress or relieve stress?
- What is respite care?
- What is the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)?
- How can I find out about caregiving resources in my community?
- What kind of caregiver services can I find in my community?
- What kind of home care help is available?
- How will I pay for home health care?
- Who is eligible for Medicare home health care services?
- Will Medicaid help pay for home health care?
- For more information
Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome Rothmund-Thomson syndrome is a rare genetic. The signs and symptoms of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome include a redness on the cheeks...learn more »
In This Article
Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome Article
- What is Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS)?
- What are the signs and symptoms of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome?
- How common is Rothmund-Thomson syndrome?
- What genes are related to Rothmund-Thomson syndrome?
- How do people inherit Rothmund-Thomson syndrome?
- What other names do people use for Rothmund-Thomson syndrome?
- Where can I find information about treatment for Rothmund-Thomson syndrome?
Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some...learn more »
In This Article
Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Article
- Is it safe to use medicine while I am pregnant?
- How should I decide whether to use a medicine while I am pregnant?
- Where do doctors and nurses find out about using medicines during pregnancy?
- How do prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine labels help my doctor choose the right medicine for me when I am pregnant?
- What if I'm thinking about getting pregnant?
- Is it safe to use medicine while I am trying to become pregnant?
- What if I get sick and need to use medicine while I am pregnant?
- I have a health problem. Should I stop using my medicine while I am pregnant?
- Are vitamins safe for me while I am pregnant?
- Are herbal remedies or natural products safe for me when I am pregnant?
- In the future, will there be better ways to know if medicines are safe to use during pregnancy?
- For more information
Urine Blockage in Newborns There are many syndromes and defects that may cause urine blockage in newborns. Defects in the urinary tract that may cause urine...learn more »
In This Article
Urine Blockage in Newborns Article
- What are the types of defects in the urinary tract?
- What syndromes may affect the urinary tract?
- How are problems and birth defects of the urinary tract diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for urine blockage in newborns?
- What research is being done on urine blockage in newborns?
- Where can people find more information on urine blockage in newborns?
Cleidocranial Dysplasia Cleidocranial dysplasia is a genetic condition. Cleidocranial dysplasia is also referred to as cleidocranial dysostosis and...learn more »
In This Article
Cleidocranial Dysplasia Article
- What is cleidocranial dysplasia?
- What are the symptoms and signs of cleidocranial dysplasia?
- How common is cleidocranial dysplasia?
- What genes are related to cleidocranial dysplasia?
- How do people inherit cleidocranial dysplasia?
- Where can I find information about treatment for cleidocranial dysplasia?
- What other names do people use for cleidocranial dysplasia?
Methemoglobinemia (Beta-Globin Type) Methemoglobinemia (beta-globin type) is an inherited genetic disorder characterized by an atypical form of hemoglobin that is...learn more »
In This Article
Methemoglobinemia (Beta-Globin Type) Article
- What is methemoglobinemia, beta-globin type?
- How common is methemoglobinemia, beta-globin type?
- What genes are related to methemoglobinemia, beta-globin type?
- How do people inherit methemoglobinemia, beta-globin type?
- What other names do people use for methemoglobinemia, beta-globin type?