skip banner - Return to original view
site viewing options
 
Parents|Medical Information|Professionals|In your area|Campaigns

Hydranencephaly

Background

Hydranencephaly is a condition that usually arises in mid/late pregnancy when a major reduction of blood supply to the brain results in loss of most of both cerebral hemispheres. The more primitive parts of the brain (brain stem, thalamus and cerebellum) are preserved so that usually the vital functions of breathing, heart function and temperature regulation are possible. The head mainly contains fluid-filled cavities with occasional small islands of the cerebral cortex remaining, particularly at the back of the head. A related condition of multiple cavities with more surviving brain is referred to as multicystic encephalomalacia.

What are the symptoms? View What are the symptoms?

Medical text written May 2003 by Professor B Neville. Last updated April 2008 by Professor B Neville, Professor of Paediatric Neurology, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.

 

Tell us what you think of this information...

Print whole article Print whole article

 

This Web Site © Copyright, Contact a Family 2010
Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN
Tel: 020 7608 8700

Registered Charity No. 284912. Charity registered in Scotland No. SC039169
Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 1633333.
HM Revenue & Customs charity tax reference No. XN54769. VAT Reg. No. GB 749 3846 82

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.