Understanding Anencephalus: Causes, Symptoms, and Prognosis

Anencephalus is a rare congenital disorder that is characterized by the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and other structures. It is a severe form of neural tube defect that occurs during fetal development.

The term "anencephalus" comes from the Greek words "an-" meaning "without" and "encephalo-" meaning "brain". It was first described in the medical literature in the early 20th century, and since then, only a few cases have been reported.

Anencephalus is caused by a failure of the neural tube to properly close during fetal development. The neural tube is a structure that forms early in pregnancy and eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord. If the neural tube does not close properly, it can lead to a range of defects, including anencephalus.

The symptoms of anencephalus include:

* Absence of a major portion of the brain
* Abnormalities of the skull and facial bones
* Deformities of the limbs and other body parts
* Intellectual disability and developmental delays
* Vision and hearing impairments
* Poor muscle tone and reflexes

Anencephalus is usually diagnosed during pregnancy through ultrasound examination. After birth, it can be diagnosed through imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. There is no cure for anencephalus, and treatment is focused on managing the symptoms and providing supportive care to the child. The prognosis for children with anencephalus is generally poor, and most do not survive beyond a few days or weeks after birth.