Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Encephalocele - Congenital Neural Tube Defect

Encephalocele - Congenital Neural Tube Defect - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a baby survive encephalocele?

A: Encephaloceles are not always fatal. Some babies survive. Encephaloceles with brain tissue in the sac and those present on the back side of the skull have a bad prognosis.

Advertisement

Q: Is encephalocele genetic?

A: The exact reason is not known. It is observed in patients with family history of neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly thus indicating a possible genetic involvement

Q: What are the risks in pregnancy when the fetus has an encephalocele?

A: The risk of miscarriage is high. 21% of fetuses with encephalocele can only survive till birth. The chance of caesarean section is high when the head is large due to encephalocele.


Advertisement