Infants born with
anencephaly are usually blind, deaf, unconscious, and unable to feel pain.
Although some individuals with anencephaly may be born with a rudimentary
brainstem, the lack of a functioning cerebrum permanently rules out the
possibility of ever gaining consciousness. Reflex actions such as
respiration
(breathing)
and responses to sound or touch may occur.
The disorder is one of the
most common disorders of the fetal central nervous system. Approximately
1,000 to 2,000 American babies are born with anencephaly each year. The
disorder affects females more often than males.
The cause of anencephaly is
unknown. Although it is believed that the mother’s diet and vitamin
intake may play a role, scientists agree that many other factors are also
involved.
There is no cure or
standard treatment for anencephaly and the prognosis for affected
individuals is poor. Most infants do not survive infancy. If the infant is
not stillborn, then he or she will usually die within a few hours or days
after birth. Anencephaly can often be diagnosed before birth through an
ultrasound examination.
Recent studies have shown
that the addition of folic acid to the diet of women of child-bearing age
may significantly reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. Therefore
it is recommended that all women of child-bearing age consume 0.4 mg of
folic acid daily.
The following are some of
the latest updates and support networks for those families whom are
dealing with Anencephaly now or in the past.
Anencephaly NEWS
Google News
This site is for those whom
choose to carry to term
Carrying to Term
Waiting with Love
Anencephaly Support Foundation
Websites offering a vast
range of issues concerning anencephaly including organ donation.
http://www.anencephaly.net/
Below is some updated
information on Anecephaly.
(credit for this information goes to Neurology
Channel)
Anencephaly is one of the most serious cephalic disorders and
afflicts roughly 1000 to 2000 babies born in the United States annually.
Female infants are affected more often than males. Infants born with
this disorder have no forebrain—the main portion of the cerebrum,
responsible for thinking and coordination. Brain tissue that does
develop often is not covered by bone or skin.
Causes
The cause of anencephaly remains unknown. A developmental failure occurs
between the 23rd and 26th days of pregnancy. The cephalic
(or head) end
of the neural tube fails to close, and major portions of the brain,
skull, and scalp do not develop. Recent studies suggest the addition of
folic acid to the diet of women in their child-bearing years may reduce
the incidence of neural tube defects, suggesting that factors associated
with diet and vitamins may play a role.
Signs and Symptoms
Anencephalic infants typically are born blind, deaf, unconscious, and
insensitive to pain. Some may have a rudimentary brainstem that permits
reflex actions such as breathing and, in some cases, responsiveness to
sound or touch.
Diagnosis
Anencephaly often can be diagnosed before birth through an ultrasound
examination.
Treatment
The condition is untreatable and incurable.
Prognosis
Without a functioning cerebrum, anencephalic infants cannot gain
consciousness. Most anencephalic infants are stillborn or die within a
few hours or days after birth.
