Amyencephalus is a medical term used to describe a rare and severe congenital malformation known as anencephaly. Anencephaly is a neural tube defect that occurs during early embryonic development, resulting in the absence or incomplete development of the brain and skull. The term "amyencephalus" is a combination of "a-" meaning without and "myencephalus" pertaining to the brain.
In individuals with amyencephalus, the main characteristic feature is the absence of the cerebral hemispheres, the largest part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions. This results in a flat or rudimentary skull, leaving the exposed brain tissue unprotected. The malformation is typically evident at birth, as affected individuals often have a prominent forehead and lack normal cranial features.
Furthermore, amyencephalus is associated with a multitude of other abnormalities, including defects in the development of the skull and facial structures. Affected infants often experience other neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, as the defect can occur anywhere along the vertebral column.
Unfortunately, amyencephalus is a condition with a very poor prognosis, as the vast majority of affected infants are stillborn or die shortly after birth due to profound neurological impairment. Treatment options for individuals with amyencephalus are extremely limited, and essentially focus on palliative care to ensure comfort and support for the families affected.
In conclusion, amyencephalus is a medical term used to describe a severe and rare congenital malformation called anencephaly, wherein there is the absence or incomplete development of the brain and skull.
