Learn About Anencephaly

What is the definition of Anencephaly?

Anencephaly is a condition that prevents the normal development of the brain and the bones of the skull. This condition results when a structure called the neural tube fails to close during the first few weeks of embryonic development. The neural tube is a layer of cells that ultimately develops into the brain and spinal cord. Because anencephaly is caused by abnormalities of the neural tube, it is classified as a neural tube defect.

What are the causes of Anencephaly?

Anencephaly is a complex condition that is likely caused by the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Some of these factors have been identified, but many remain unknown.

How prevalent is Anencephaly?

Anencephaly is one of the most common types of neural tube defect, affecting about 1 in 1,000 pregnancies. However, most of these pregnancies end in miscarriage, so the prevalence of this condition in newborns is much lower. An estimated 1 in 10,000 infants in the United States is born with anencephaly.

Is Anencephaly an inherited disorder?

Most cases of anencephaly are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. A small percentage of cases have been reported to run in families; however, the condition does not have a clear pattern of inheritance. For parents who have had a child with anencephaly, the risk of having another affected child is increased compared with the risk in the general population.

Who are the top Anencephaly Local Doctors?
Experienced in Anencephaly
Internal Medicine
Experienced in Anencephaly
Internal Medicine
316 E Las Tunas Dr, Suite 102, 
San Gabriel, CA 
 (23.7 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Zhi Zeng is an Internal Medicine provider in San Gabriel, California. Dr. Zeng and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anencephaly. His top areas of expertise are Vertigo, Varicose Veins, Heart Murmurs, and Insomnia.

Experienced in Anencephaly
Emergency Medicine | Pediatrics
Experienced in Anencephaly
Emergency Medicine | Pediatrics

Pouya Afshar MD Inc

7801 Mission Ctr Ct, Suite 310, 
San Diego, CA 
 (91.3 mi)
Experience:
26+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Anand Patel is an Emergency Medicine specialist and a Pediatrics provider in San Diego, California. Dr. Patel has been practicing medicine for over 26 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anencephaly. His top areas of expertise are Opioid Induced Constipation, Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis, Hereditary Ataxia, and Anencephaly.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Advanced in Anencephaly
Advanced in Anencephaly
2500 Alhambra Ave, 
Martinez, CA 
 (366.4 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English

Lawrence Boly is a Physiatrist in Martinez, California. Dr. Boly and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anencephaly. His top areas of expertise are Anencephaly, Acalvaria, Hemiplegia, and Stroke.

What are the latest Anencephaly Clinical Trials?
Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: October 01, 2019
Published By: National Institutes of Health