Anencephaly is a congenital condition in which a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp fails to develope. Normally neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord. In anencephaly it does not close completely during the first month after conception leading to this rare condition.
A baby’s brain begins to form just weeks after conception even before pregnancy is detected. In most pregnancies, brain development occurs smoothly, creating the complex organ that controls thought, movement, emotions, and survival. However, in anencephaly the brain and skull does not form properly, leading to one of the most severe birth defects known to medicine.
As the front part of the neural tube remains open, large portions of the brain, particularly the cerebrum, do not develop. The cerebrum is responsible for thinking, memory, sensory perception, and voluntary movement. This results in inability to gain consciousness or perform many vital functions necessary for long-term survival. Anencephaly is a rare condition, affecting approximately 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies worldwide. Many affected pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. This condition affects both boys and girls and occurs in all populations. The exact cause of anencephaly is not always known. Scientists believe it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. One of the most significant risk factors is a deficiency of folic acid (vitamin B9) before and during early pregnancy.
Other possible risk factors include family history, certain medications during pregnancy and nutritional deficiencies.
Prenatal screening can often detect anencephaly during pregnancy through ultrasound, elevated alpha fetoprotein or MRI.
Unfortunately there’s no cure for anencephaly but it can be prevented through folic acid supplements.
Please post in the comments about other congenital anomalies that you are aware of and that are preventable.
MBH/DB