EXENCEPHALIA Meaning and
Definition
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Exencephalia refers to a rare congenital abnormality, also known as craniorachischisis totalis, characterized by the incomplete formation or absence of brain and skull structures in a developing fetus. It is considered the most severe form of neural tube defect (NTD) and is usually fatal at birth or shortly thereafter.
The condition occurs during embryogenesis when the neural tube fails to close properly, leading to the exposure of the developing brain and spinal cord. As a result, the fetus lacks the protective covering of the skull and meninges, leaving the brain tissue exposed and vulnerable.
Exencephalia is often associated with other anomalies such as malformations of the face, spinal cord, and internal organs. The exposed brain tissue may be subjected to damage or infections due to its direct contact with the environment.
Prenatal diagnosis of exencephalia is possible through advanced imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or fetal MRI, which can reveal the absence of skull bones or protrusion of brain tissue. However, there is currently no known cure or treatment for this condition, and medical intervention is limited to supportive care during pregnancy.
Given the severe nature of exencephalia and its poor prognosis, counseling and emotional support for affected families are essential. Genetic counseling may also be recommended to evaluate the risk of recurrence in future pregnancies. Additionally, efforts focused on preventing neural tube defects through folic acid supplementation and proper prenatal care are crucial in reducing the incidence of exencephalia.
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A condition in which the skull is defective, the brain being exposed or extruding.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EXENCEPHALIA
- Exencephalic
- exencephalie
- exencephaly
- wxencephalia
- sxencephalia
- dxencephalia
- rxencephalia
- 4xencephalia
- 3xencephalia
- ezencephalia
- ecencephalia
- edencephalia
- esencephalia
- exwncephalia
- exsncephalia
- exdncephalia
- exrncephalia
- ex4ncephalia
- ex3ncephalia
- exebcephalia
Etymology of EXENCEPHALIA
The word exencephalia is formed by combining two Greek roots: ex meaning out of and encephalon meaning brain. So, exencephalia literally translates to out of the brain.
Similar spelling words for EXENCEPHALIA
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