Incomplete Anencephaly, a congenital defect, is a condition where the brain and skull do not fully form during fetal development. The word "anencephaly" is spelled as /ænənˈsɛfəli/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the stress is on the second syllable. This rare condition affects 1 in 1,000 pregnancies and can tragically result in stillbirth or an infant dying shortly after birth. It is important for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and counsel parents about this condition while providing appropriate resources and support to them.
Incomplete anencephaly is a rare and severe developmental abnormality characterized by the incomplete development of the brain and the skull. It is a congenital condition that occurs during embryogenesis, resulting in the absence of major portions of the cerebral hemispheres (the two halves of the brain) and the skull.
In this condition, the top portion of the brain and skull fail to develop properly, leaving an open neural tube defect at the top of the head. Due to the absence of the brain's crucial structures, individuals with incomplete anencephaly typically have very limited brain function and are unable to survive beyond birth or for an extended period.
The incomplete nature of this condition implies that some brain tissues may still be present, although they are usually rudimentary or not functioning. Additionally, facial malformations, such as cleft lip or palate, are often present in affected individuals.
Incomplete anencephaly is believed to be caused by multifactorial genetic and environmental influences, although the exact causes remain unclear. It is typically diagnosed prenatally through ultrasound imaging or after birth through physical examination and imaging studies.
Due to the severity of this condition and the limited survival rate, individuals with incomplete anencephaly require palliative care and support from healthcare professionals. It is important for affected families to receive counseling and appropriate medical guidance to ensure the well-being and understanding of the condition.
The word "incomplete anencephaly" is not derived from multiple components with separate etymologies, but rather, it is a medical term representing a specific condition. The etymology of "anencephaly", however, can be broken down as follows:
- "An-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "an", meaning "without" or "lacking". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate the absence or deficiency of a particular structure or function.
- "Encephal-" is derived from the Greek word "enkephalos", meaning "brain". This root is used in various medical terms related to the brain.
- "-y" is a suffix indicating a condition or state.
Therefore, "anencephaly" refers to the absence or underdevelopment of the brain and parts of the skull.