How long do babies with encephalocele live?

Fetuses with an encephalocele are likely to die before birth. Approximately 21 percent, or 1 in 5, are born alive. Of those born alive, only 50 percent will survive.

Can a baby survive encephalocele?

We are extremely lucky that hers is in the front of her skull impacting the right frontal lobe of her brain rather than the occipital area. Babies born with an occipital encephalocele only typically have about a 55% survival rate and can suffer lifelong complications.

Is encephalocele compatible with life?

Very large encephaloceles may be incompatible with life so affected babies may not survive pregnancy. Anterior encephaloceles are less likely to contain brain tissue so tend to produce fewer symptoms. The symptoms present with an encephalocele are very variable.

Is encephalocele serious?

An encephalocele can be life-threatening. How serious it is, the treatment and the baby’s chance of living depend on where it is on the skull. Babies with an encephalocele often have chromosome, brain and facial problems as well.

Is encephalocele genetic?

Encephaloceles are usually dramatic deformities diagnosed immediately after birth; but occasionally a small Encephalocele in the nasal and forehead region can go undetected. There is a genetic component to the condition; it often occurs in families with a history of spina bifida and anencephaly in other family members.

Is encephalocele a brain tumor?

Abstract. Encephaloceles arise from developmental defects in neural tube formation. These lesions contain brain and meninges which herniate through a defect in the skull. These may present as isolated malformations or rarely be associated with brain tumors.

Can encephalocele be cured?

Encephalocele is treated with surgery to place the protruding part of the brain and the membranes covering it back into the skull and close the opening in the skull. However, neurologic problems caused by the encephalocele will still be present. Long-term treatment depends on the child’s condition.

How common is encephalocele?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 375 babies are born each year in the United States with encephalocele. In some parts of the world, encephalocele is more common. It is one of the least common neural tube defects in the United States.

How early can you detect encephalocele?

Usually encephaloceles are visible deformities and are diagnosed immediately after birth. Occasionally, a small encephalocele in the nasal or forehead region can go undetected. Sometimes encephaloceles are detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound, at as early as 13 weeks’ gestation.

How many babies are born with encephalocele?

Researchers estimate that about 1 in every 10,500 babies is born with encephalocele in the United States.