Seizure Disorder
What is A Seizure? A seizure is a sudden attack triggered when neurons in the brain create abnormal electric discharges. Seizures may include: muscle spasms, mental confusion, uncontrolled body movements,…
Category: Birth Defect Fact Sheet
Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is curvature of the spine that is often accompanied by a structural rotation of the spine. The term scoliosis traditionally refers to a side-to-side or lateral…
Renal Agenesis
What is Renal Agenesis? Agenesis of the kidney, or renal agenesis, is the congenital absence or severe malformation of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) kidneys. Unilateral renal agenesis affects 1…
Pyloric Stenosis
What is Pyloric Stenosis? Pyloric stenosis, also called infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS), is the thickening and narrowing of the pylorus muscle at the stomach outlet, leading to vomiting, dehydration,…
Porencephaly
What is Porencephaly? Porencephaly is a rare congenital brain disorder marked by fluid-filled cysts or cavities in the cerebral hemispheres, causing symptoms like seizures, low muscle tone, paralysis, hydrocephalus, and…
Premature Births: Causes & Prevention
What is a Premature Birth? Premature birth occurs when a pregnancy lasts fewer than 37 weeks from conception. Full-term infants are born 38-42 weeks after they are conceived, with the…
Polycystic Kidney Disease
What is Polycystic Kidney Disease? Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disease characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts that can result in malformed or enlarged kidneys. These…
Polands Syndrome
What is Poland’s Syndrome? Poland’s Syndrome is a pattern of one-sided malformations characterized by the absence of the pectoralis major (chest) muscle and short, webbed fingers on the same side…
Pierre Robin Syndrome
What is Pierre Robin Syndrome? Pierre Robin Syndrome is a congenital condition named after the French physician who identified its main characteristics. One symptom of this condition is an abnormally…
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
What is Pervasive Developmental Disorder? Pervasive Developmental Disorder is an umbrella term referring to a group of disorders of social interaction, communication, behavior, and cognition. There has been considerable debate…
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