Anencephaly is a birth defect that affects the brain and skull bones. With this condition, the brain isn't fully formed. It often lacks part or all of the cerebrum.
Cephalic disorders affect the central nervous system as it develops. They may also affect the brain and the growth of the skull.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects how the brain and muscles communicate. CP affects body movement, muscle control, coordination, reflexes, posture, and balance.
Craniosynostosis is a condition where one or more of the bones of the skull close too early. This can cause problems with normal brain and skull growth.
A baby with hydrocephalus has extra fluid around the brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Too much CSF can increase the pressure in your baby’s head. This causes the bones in your baby’s skull to expand and separate. The baby's head may look larger than normal.
Microcephaly is a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than normal. It is most often present at birth (congenital). Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and an intellectual disability. Some children with small heads have normal intelligence.
Spina bifida is a birth defect that causes problems with the spine, spinal cord, and the surrounding nerves.
A Chiari malformation (CM) is a problem with how the brain sits in the skull. Read on for detailed information about this condition in children.
A Chiari II malformation is present at birth. With this condition, two parts of the brain at the back of the skull bulge through a normal opening in the skull where it joins the spinal canal.