Doctors say the condition is called Anencephaly, a cephalic disorder that results from a neural tube defect that occurs when the rostral (head) end of the neural tube fails to close, usually between the 23rd and 26th day of conception, resulting in the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp. Strictly speaking, the translation of the Greek term to English is “no brain” (that is, totally lacking), but it is accepted that children with this disorder are born without a forebrain, the largest part of the brain consisting mainly of the cerebral hemispheres, including the neocortex, which is responsible for higher-level cognition. The remaining brain tissue is often exposed, i.e. not covered by bone or skin. With very few exceptions, most babies with this disorder do not survive.
The birth of the fear-instilling baby caused a stir in the hospital as medical officials were seen discussing the strange birth , while people trooped to the hospital from the neighbouring towns and communities to see the strange baby. Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Wole Olugboji, confirmed the delivery. His words: “There was a woman who gave birth to a strange baby at General Hospital Iyin. The baby is dead but the mother is okay.”
