Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
How can anencephaly babies respond when they have no brain?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
They cannot.: Only spinal (involuntary) reflexes are operational in anencephalic neonates/fetuses. Jerky movements of extremities are due to that phenomenon and not due to conscious decisions.
Answered 12/9/2013
5.7k views
Primitive Reflexes: Such babies have brain stems, but lack the higher cortex. Without the brain stem they wouldn't breath and their hearts wouldn't beat. The brain stem accounts for primitive reflexes, which I have seen people mistake for a conscious response.
Answered 3/4/2013
5.7k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Hi i had my first child with anencephaly. What preventive measures need to be taken for the next baby?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
37wks+2days pregnant.Feelin scared & anxious of losin this healthy baby in this last bit.Lost 2 bubs to anencephaly in past.Wat can I do?Jus want safe
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Lost baby last year due to anencephaly.used multivitamins with folic acid for 1year and 5mg folic acid from 2months.folate levels 477 now.can I plan ?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
What do doctors say when they tell a family the baby has anencephaly>?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
What are the chances of someone with type 1 having a baby with anencephaly?
17 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
People also searched for:
Can baby with anencephaly grow a brain with stem cells?
26 wks pregnant. Lost 2 babies to anencephaly previously. This bubs ok so far. Extremely scared of losing this healthy baby. Will my bub make it?
Could hair perms cause anencephaly in unborn babies?
I get little sweaty at night sometimes & im 8wks preg with Hx of anencephaly bubs.Worried my body temp increase may cause damage to baby? Winter here
Lost 2 bubs to anencephaly, pregn with 3rd healthy baby 6.5mos.Stressed+fight alot with hubby.Can this harm baby?have tried therapy unsuccessfully :-(
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
