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Overview of Congenital Neurologic Anomalies

By

Stephen J. Falchek

, MD, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children

Reviewed/Revised Jul 2023
View PATIENT EDUCATION

Congenital brain anomalies cause a spectrum of neurologic deficits; although some may be barely noticeable, others may be fatal.

Some of the most serious neurologic anomalies (eg, anencephaly Anencephaly Anencephaly is absence of the cerebral hemispheres. It is usually accompanied by a defect in the formation of the skull posteriorly, leaving the back of the head without skeletal protection... read more , encephalocele Encephalocele An encephalocele is a protrusion of nervous tissue and meninges through a skull defect. Many can be repaired surgically. An encephalocele is caused by incomplete closure of the cranial vault... read more Encephalocele , spina bifida Spina Bifida Spina bifida is defective closure of the vertebral column. Although the cause is often unknown, low folate levels during pregnancy increase risk. Some children are asymptomatic, and others have... read more ) develop in the first 2 months of gestation and represent defects in neural tube formation (dysraphism). Others, such as lissencephaly Lissencephaly Cerebral hemispheres may be large, small, or asymmetric; the gyri may be absent, unusually large, or multiple and small. In addition to the grossly visible malformations, microscopic sections... read more Lissencephaly , result from problems with neuronal migration (see Malformed Cerebral Hemispheres Malformed Cerebral Hemispheres Cerebral hemispheres may be large, small, or asymmetric; the gyri may be absent, unusually large, or multiple and small. In addition to the grossly visible malformations, microscopic sections... read more Malformed Cerebral Hemispheres ), which occurs between 9 weeks and 24 weeks of gestation. Hydranencephaly Hydranencephaly Porencephaly is a cavity that develops prenatally or postnatally in a cerebral hemisphere. Cavities often communicate with a ventricle, but they may also be enclosed (ie, noncommunicating) fluid-filled... read more and porencephaly Porencephaly Porencephaly is a cavity that develops prenatally or postnatally in a cerebral hemisphere. Cavities often communicate with a ventricle, but they may also be enclosed (ie, noncommunicating) fluid-filled... read more are secondary to destructive processes that occur after the basic architecture of the brain has formed. Some anomalies (eg, meningocele) may be relatively benign.

There are many causes of congenital brain anomalies, including many previously unknown genetic factors. Next-generation sequencing techniques Genetic Diagnostic Technologies , such as genetic panels and whole exome sequencing, have revealed a large number of genetic causes of these anomalies.

Ultrasonography Prenatal Ultrasonography Noninvasive prenatal screening for genetic disorders, unlike invasive testing, has no risk of test-related complications. Noninvasive maternal screening can help women decide whether to have... read more Prenatal Ultrasonography can be used to accurately screen for many malformations in utero. Newer fetal MRI techniques are increasingly useful, mainly when ultrasound findings are of concern. Amniocentesis can be used to find larger chromosomal rearrangements and breakage but often misses more subtle genetic causes of congenital anomalies.

Prevention of Congenital Neurologic Anomalies

Women who have had a fetus or infant with a neural tube defect are at high risk and should take folate Folate Deficiency Folate deficiency is common. It may result from inadequate intake, malabsorption, or use of various drugs. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia (indistinguishable from that due to vitamin... read more (folic acid) supplementation 4 mg (4000 mcg) orally once/day beginning 3 months before conception and continuing through the 1st trimester. Folate supplementation reduces the risk of neural tube defects in future pregnancies by 75%.

All women of childbearing age who have not had a fetus or infant with a neural tube defect should consume at least 400 mcg/day of folate through diet or by taking a supplement (some experts recommend 800 mcg/day to further reduce risk) and continue doing so through the 1st trimester. Although folate supplementation reduces the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect, risk reduction is less than in women who previously had a fetus or infant with a neural tube defect (ie, risk reduction is < 75%).

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
Folacin , Folicet, Q-TABS
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NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
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