INFORMATION COLPOCEPHALY

The term “Colpocephaly " refers to defects resulting from abnormal enlargement of, or damage to, the brain and spinal cord. Cephalic disorders are present at or before birth. In most cases, the problem occurs early in the development of the fetal nervous system. In other cases, the problem occurs when the fibrous joints linking the bones of the skull join too early.

Cephalic disorders may be caused by genetic conditions or by exposure of the mother and developing fetus to infections, toxic substances, medications, or radiation.

The severity of these disorders varies very much. Some cause mild disabilities; others are deep, resulting in total lifelong disability, vastly compact functional capacity, and sometimes death.

CAUSES OF COLPOCEPHALY

The cause of anencephaly remains unknown. A developmental failure occurs between the 23rd and 26th days of pregnancy. The cephalic (or head) end of the neural tube fails to close, and major portions of the brain, skull, and scalp do not develop. Recent studies suggest the addition of folic acid to the diet of women in their child-bearing years may reduce the incidence of neural tube defects, suggesting that factors related with diet and vitamins may play a role.

SYMPTOMS OF COLPOCEPHALY

Anencephalic infants usually are born blind, deaf, unconscious, and insensitive to pain. Some may have a elementary brainstem that permits reflex actions such as breathing and, in some cases, receptiveness to sound or touch.

TREATMENT OF COLPOCEPHALY

The condition is untreatable and incurable.