Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Neurological Disorders > Congenital Anomalies > Hydranencephaly
Hydranencephaly is a type of Cephalic disorder. This is a rare condition in which the cerebral hemispheres are absent and replaced by sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Usually the cerebellum and brainstem are formed normally. An infant with hydranencephaly may appear normal at birth. The infant's head size and spontaneous reflexes such as sucking, swallowing, crying, and moving the arms and legs may all seem normal. However, after a few weeks the infant usually becomes irritable and has increased muscle tone (hypertonia). After several months of life, seizures and hydrocephalus may develop. Other symptoms may include visual impairment, lack of growth, deafness, blindness, spastic quadriparesis (paralysis), and intellectual deficits.
Hydranencephaly is an extreme form of porencephaly, which is characterized by a cyst or cavity in the cerebral hemispheres, and may be caused by vascular insult or injuries, infections, or traumatic disorders after the 12th week of pregnancy.
Diagnosis may be delayed for several months because the infant's early behavior appears to be relatively normal. Transillumination, an examination in which light is passed through body tissues, usually confirms the diagnosis. Some infants may have additional abnormalities at birth including seizures, myoclonus (involuntary sudden, rapid jerks), and respiratory problems.
More on [ Hydranencephaly ]
@sanjayguptaCNN sad 2hear u say we r nothing w/o a brain-my son is living&thriving w/hydranencephaly...a MIRACLE-it IS possible! :)
AliNichole0619 (Alicia Harper) Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:30:23 -0000
@sanjayguptaCNN sad 2hear u say we r nothing w/o a brain-my son is living&thriving w/hydranencephaly...a MIRACLE-it IS possible! :)
@TheDoctors Upset to hear a comment made 2day that we r nothing w/o a brain-my son has hydranencephaly~living&thriving w/o most of his brain
AliNichole0619 (Alicia Harper) Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:27:06 -0000
@TheDoctors Upset to hear a comment made 2day that we r nothing w/o a brain-my son has hydranencephaly~living&thriving w/o most of his brain
Fetal Hydranencephaly - Medical research presentations of five case studies. Diagrams and ultrasound photographs included.
Health Link - Hydranencephaly - Overview of the rare condition in which the brain's cerebral hemispheres are absent and replaced by sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Meta Description: [ Hydranencephaly is a rare condition in which the brain's cerebral hemispheres are absent and replaced by sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid. ]
Hydranencephaly - Information sheet compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Meta Description: [ Hydranencephaly information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). ]
Hydranencephaly - Support group list for parents, families and caregivers of children with the disorder.
Meta Description: [ hydranencephaly: This list is for parents, families and caregivers of children with Hydranencephaly. It is for us to share ]
Hydranencephaly Fact Sheet - Brief description of condition and prognosis. Resources and online information provided.
Rays of Sunshine - Information about hydranencephaly and related conditions. Personal stories of children and families. Equipment, hospice, and medical directory available.
