Anencephalias meaning

Anencephalias is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull.


Anencephalias definitions

Word backwards sailahpecnena
Part of speech The word "anencephalias" does not appear to be a standard English word. It may be a misspelling or a medical term that is not commonly used in everyday language. Without more context, it is difficult to determine the part of speech of this word.
Syllabic division a-nen-ce-pha-lias
Plural The plural of anencephalias is anencephalies.
Total letters 13
Vogais (3) a,e,i
Consonants (6) n,c,p,h,l,s

Anencephalias: A Devastating Neural Tube Defect

Anencephalias is a severe and often fatal neural tube defect that occurs during fetal development. This condition results in the underdevelopment or absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp. Babies born with anencephalias are missing a large part of their brain, including the forebrain, which is responsible for cognitive functions, and the cerebrum, which controls voluntary actions and sensory processing.

Causes and Risk Factors

Anencephalias occurs early in pregnancy, within the first month, often before many women even know they are pregnant. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Women who have previously had a child with anencephalias or have a family history of the condition are at a higher risk. Folic acid deficiency before and during early pregnancy is also associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects, including anencephalias.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The physical symptoms of anencephalias are evident at birth. Babies may be missing large portions of their skull and brain, and their exposed brain tissue is usually covered only by a thin membrane. Many infants with anencephalias are stillborn or die shortly after birth due to the severity of the condition. Diagnosis can be made during pregnancy through prenatal ultrasound or confirmed after birth through a physical examination.

Treatment and Prognosis

Unfortunately, there is no cure or effective treatment for anencephalias. Because this condition is incompatible with life, the prognosis is extremely poor. Medical intervention focuses on providing supportive care to the infant and family during this difficult time. In some cases, organ donation may be considered to save the lives of other babies in need.

Emotional and Ethical Considerations

Anencephalias presents families with complex emotional and ethical challenges. The devastating reality of this condition can be overwhelming for parents, and difficult decisions must be made regarding end-of-life care and funeral arrangements. It is crucial for healthcare providers to offer compassionate support and guidance to families facing such a profound loss.


Anencephalias Examples

  1. The medical team diagnosed the baby with anencephalias, a rare and fatal condition where the brain is undeveloped.
  2. The doctor explained to the parents that anencephalias results in a short lifespan for affected infants.
  3. Despite the challenges posed by anencephalias, the family chose to give their child as much love and care as possible.
  4. Researchers are working on understanding the genetic factors that may contribute to anencephalias.
  5. The hospital provided grief counseling to the parents of a newborn with anencephalias.
  6. Anencephalias is a neural tube defect that occurs during embryonic development.
  7. The baby's condition of anencephalias was detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound.
  8. Families affected by anencephalias may seek support from advocacy groups and online forums.
  9. The medical community continues to research ways to prevent anencephalias in newborns.
  10. Anencephalias is a heartbreaking diagnosis for any parent to receive.


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  • Updated 27/06/2024 - 01:46:05