Condition: Nervous System Congenital Anomalies

Nervous system congenital abnormalities, or congenital abnormalities of the nervous system, are birth defects that affect either the brain or spinal cord. Nervous system congenital abnormalities may include hydrocephalus, spina bifida, Chiari malformations, and encephalocele. Congenital abnormalities of the nervous system are present in babies at birth, and develop during the gestational period.

Often, surgery is needed to repair nervous system congenital abnormalities. Some types of nervous system congenital abnormalities may be fatal, or cause serious disabilities and impair the ability to move, walk, speak, or function. Sometimes, these nervous system congenital abnormalities may be identified during the pregnancy with screening and diagnostic tests.