Anencefalia

Anencefalia is a severe birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull. The condition occurs when the neural tube, the tissue that forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. The exposed neural tissue rapidly degenerates. Infants with anencefalia are typically born without the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain responsible for thought, memory, and senses, and the cerebellum, which controls coordination. They also lack the bony covering of the skull in the back of the head.

The exact cause of anencefalia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Maternal intake of folic acid is known to play a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects, and a deficiency is considered a significant risk factor. Other potential contributing factors include certain medications taken during pregnancy and maternal health conditions like diabetes.

Anencefalia is usually diagnosed during pregnancy through ultrasound or blood tests. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for anencefalia, and the condition is always fatal. Most infants born with anencefalia are stillborn or die shortly after birth, often within hours or days. In some cases, if the baby is born alive, palliative care is provided. The prevention of anencefalia primarily focuses on ensuring adequate folic acid intake for all women of childbearing age, especially before conception and during early pregnancy.