Hydranencephaly
Hydranencephaly
Hydranencephaly (pronounced hi-dran-en-sef-uh-lee) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the brain of an individual.
Etymology
The term "Hydranencephaly" is derived from three Greek words: "hydro" meaning water, "an" meaning without, and "encephalon" meaning brain. Thus, it literally translates to "water instead of brain".
Definition
Hydranencephaly is a condition in which the brain's cerebral hemispheres are absent to varying degrees and the remaining cranial cavity is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hydranencephaly may include microcephaly (abnormally small head), spastic quadriparesis (paralysis of all four limbs), and intellectual disability.
Causes
The exact cause of hydranencephaly is unknown. However, it is believed to occur due to vascular insufficiency during the prenatal period, leading to necrosis of the cerebral tissue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of hydranencephaly can be made through ultrasound during pregnancy or after birth through MRI or CT scan.
Treatment
There is no cure for hydranencephaly. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, focusing on managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life of the individual.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with hydranencephaly is poor, with most individuals not surviving past infancy. However, with appropriate supportive care, some individuals may live into childhood or adolescence.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydranencephaly
- Wikipedia's article - Hydranencephaly
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