Anencephalia Page

Anencephaly is a fatal birth defect where a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull. It occurs during early pregnancy when the upper part of the neural tube—a tissue that normally forms the brain and spine—fails to close completely. Key Characteristics

: Most babies born with this condition are either stillborn or die within a few hours or days after birth. Causes and Prevention Anencephaly: What It Is, Causes, Signs & Prevention anencephalia

: While higher brain functions are missing, many babies have a functioning brain stem, which controls essential actions like breathing and heartbeat. Anencephaly is a fatal birth defect where a

: The top part of the skull is usually absent, and remaining brain tissue may be exposed. Causes and Prevention Anencephaly: What It Is, Causes,

: Infants are typically born without the front part of the brain (forebrain) and the thinking/coordinating part (cerebrum).