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.

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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?
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What are the latest Anencephaly Clinical Trials?
The Pain Biomarker Study: Changes in Circulating Pain Signalling Molecules With Activation of Pain Receptors

Summary: This study investigates molecular and physical biomarkers of headaches in order to better understand mechanisms of these diseases. There are 3 main parts: Use of capsaicin (active ingredient in hot chili peppers) to trigger release of calcitonin gene related peptide - the hypothesis is that this will be different in headache subjects compared to controls (and if so might be used to predict how the...

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Brain Health With Inner Engineering- Longitudinal Study of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya Meditation (BLISS)

Summary: This study will explore whether a 21-minute meditation practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya leads to changes in brain health and explore how it affects cognitive and physiological function.

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

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

What are the Latest Advances for Anencephaly?
Symptomatic Meckel's Diverticulum in pediatrics.
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A case report of triple neural tube defect: revisiting the multisite closure theory.