What causes Hydranencephaly?

Can hydranencephaly go away?

The cerebrum normally forms the front of the brain. In place of the missing hemispheres, cerebrospinal fluid, or the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, fills the cranial cavity. Hydranencephaly is incurable. It's not uncommon for babies with this condition to die in utero or within a few months after birth.

Is hydranencephaly the same as hydrocephalus?

The word hydranencephaly is a fusion of hydrocephalus and anencephaly, but the condition actually represents a distinct disorder and is primarily a disease of the fetus; encephaloclastic encephalomalacia can occur in cases of severe perinatal insult.

How do hydrocephalus occur?

Hydrocephalus occurs when too much fluid builds up in the brain; specifically, excess CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) accumulates in the cavities (ventricles) of the brain. There are more than 100 possible causes of hydrocephalus, but the underlying reasons are: Too much CSF is produced.

How early can hydranencephaly be detected?

In many cases, hydranencephaly isn't diagnosed until after the baby is born. The condition may be evident at birth, based on obvious symptoms such as an enlarged head. Or the newborn may appear healthy and developmentally normal and the diagnosis isn't made until weeks or months later when symptoms appear.

How long can you live with hydranencephaly?

However, in rare cases, children with hydranencephaly may survive for several years or more. The outlook for children with hydranencephaly is generally poor, and many children with this disorder die before age 1. However, in rare cases, children with hydranencephaly may survive for several years or more.

Is hydranencephaly genetic?

Hydranencephaly is suspected to be an inherited disorder although the mode of transmission remains unknown. Some researchers believe that prenatal blockage of the carotid artery where it enters the cranium may be a cause of this disorder. However, the reason for the blockage is not known.

What causes death in hydranencephaly?

Although the exact cause of hydranencephaly remains undetermined in most cases, the most likely general cause is by vascular insult such as stroke or injury, intrauterine infections, or traumatic disorders after the first trimester of pregnancy.

How can hydrocephalus be prevented?

You can't prevent hydrocephalus, but you can lower your risk and your child's risk for developing the condition. Make sure you get prenatal care during pregnancy. This can help reduce your chance of going into premature labor, which can lead to hydrocephalus.