Pregnancy is a blissful phase for every woman. It requires much care and a balanced nutritious diet. Encephalocele is a rare type of birth defect of the neural tube that affects the brain of the baby. Encephaloceleis characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain and the membranes that cover it.
In this article, we will explain to you the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of encephaloceles.
Encephalocele is a neural tube birth defect. It may be caused due to deficiency of folic acid. These defects occur when there is the failure of the neural tube to close completely during foetal development. Encephaloceles cause a groove down the middle of the skull, or between the forehead and the nose. It may also be seen on the back of the skull. These sacs may contain herniated meninges and brain tissue. It can lead to many neurological complications in the baby.
Encephalocele causes are still unknown. Scientists believe that many factors are responsible for neural tube defects. It usually occurs within families with a history of neural tube defects like spina bifida. B vitamins and folic acid supplementation decrease the risk of neural tube defects by 70%. Thus, folic acid deficiency may be a cause of encephalocele. Some researchers believe that certain environmental exposures during pregnancy can also be a potential reason.
HERA pregnancy formula contains only the right ingredients like folic acid, vitamin C and iron in the correct dosages to bridge any gaps in nutrition during pregnancy and perfectly nourish your baby.
Its recommended to buy a one month pack that consist of 60 capsules: http://herapedia.com/product/prenatal-essentials/
Pregnant women must take folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Folic acid is one of the most important baby-making nutrients. Before and during pregnancy body has to work overtime. It requires plenty of nutrients to build a baby. Folic acid use creates protein in our body and helps in Cells and DNA formation
A point to remember: Eating foods like spinach, broccoli, okra, bananas, beans, and orange juice can meet the daily value of folic acid. .- HERA
Where do encephaloceles occur within the skull?
Encephalocele symptoms include protrusions from the skull. The severity of this birth defect depends on its location. The most common locations for an encephalocele include-
Encephaloceles at the back of the skull are severe and can cause neurological problems. It is a visible malformation and rarely goes undetected.
Encephaloceles are brain malformations. Symptoms of encephaloceles may include-
Diagnosis of encephalocele is mostly done in the womb of the mother. Radiology techniques can diagnose encephalocele.Encephalocele radiology includes a routine prenatal ultrasound. Ultrasound creates an image of the fetus. An encephalocele may appear as a cyst on an ultrasound examination. If the doctor suspects anencephalocele, further tests may be recommended. Encephalocele pathology tests may also include prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (foetal MRI). A High-resolution CT scan can help to display the bone anatomy.
HERA pro tip: Any family having a history of encephalocele can take a genetic consultation before planning a baby. .- HERA
Treatment of encephalocele is mostly done through surgical intervention. Surgery is done between birth and 4 months of age. The timing of surgery depends upon the size, location, and associated complications. If a layer of skin covers encephalocelethen surgery may be delayed by a few months. If no layer of skin is present at the encephalocele, then it needs immediate surgery after birth. Neurosurgeons reposition the bulging area back into the skull. They remove the protrusions and correct the deformities. Sometimes, shunts are placed to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain.
Long term treatment of encephalocele depends on the specific symptoms present in each case. Women of childbearing age should have 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. It reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
If your baby is diagnosed with encephalocele, you are at greater risk for some complications. These complications during pregnancy include-
Possible C-section
If the encephalocele protrusion is large, your baby’s head may be too big. It may not fit your birth canal. You may have to have a caesarean section to deliver your baby.
Miscarriage
Foetuses with anencephalocele mostly die before birth. A mother carrying a baby with this birth defect may experience a miscarriage. One in five such babies is born alive.
Babies with protrusions on the forehead have a good chance of survival. These babies mostly don’t have any associated syndrome or defects, and no brain tissue herniating into the sac. Babies with anencephalocele at the back of the head have a 55 percent survival rate. Long term survival becomes less likely if there are other complications and defects. Almost, 75 percent of infants with encephalocelewho do survive have varying degrees of mental deficit.
The Bottom line
Encephalocele is a neural tube defect where brain tissues herniate in form of protrusions. Diagnosis of encephalocele can be done in the womb itself. Surgery is important to treat encephalocele. A baby with encephalocele can survive but is most likely to have some neurological problems.