What is acrania?

Acrania is a rare neurological disorder characterized by the absence of a cranium, or skull, and the brain is exposed. It is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present at birth. Acrania is often fatal in newborns, as the brain is vulnerable to injury and infection.

The exact cause of acrania is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors for acrania include:

* Family history of acrania or other neural tube defects

* Maternal exposure to certain medications or toxins during pregnancy

* Maternal diabetes

* Obesity

Acrania can be diagnosed prenatally through ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If acrania is diagnosed, the doctor may recommend terminating the pregnancy. If the baby is born with acrania, the prognosis is poor. Most babies with acrania die within a few days or weeks of birth. However, some babies may survive for longer periods of time. There is no cure for acrania, but treatment may focus on providing supportive care and managing complications.