Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Anencephaly

Alternative Names: Aprosencephaly with open cranium Symptoms: In the mother: If there is too much fluid is in the uterus, this often suggests a problem with the pregnancy. This condition, called polyhydramnios, is seen before birth. In the infant: Absence of the skull Absence of the brain (cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum) Facial feature abnormalities Heart defects Text Continues Below Signs and tests: The following tests can help identify anencephaly: Prepregnancy serum folic acid test Amniocentesis (done on the mother to determine if increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein are present) Alpha-fetoprotein levels during pregnancy (increased levels suggest a neural tube defect) Urine estriol levels during pregnancy Ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.