Nicholas is the baby without a brain. We are what we are, because of our brains. We see, feel, touch and perform almost all the functions because of our brains. Without brain we just cease to exist and yet Nicholas has beaten all the odds and has survived his first year on earth without his brain. His parents are of the view that there is no better gift for them this Cristmas than Nicholas’ survival.

Baby without a brain syndrome is a developmental disorder which means that it is caused by the improper formation of brain tissue during pregnancy. The disorder causes major deformities in the CNS organs. Often the brain is altogether absent and is replaced by bones and muscles in the skull. However in the case of Nicholas, there is a small hypothalamus present. The presence of hypothalamus or brain stem has given Nicholas the ability to perform basic functions such as breathing and blood circulation. Babies without a brain are extremely rare mainly because of the fact that the diagnosis is made usually earlier in pregnancy and they are aborted.

Researchers have still not been able to pin point the exact cause of the defect, however it is thought that mother’s diet plays a crucial role during pregnancy. Some researchers have blamed the folic acid deficiency behind the deformity and yet others regard the disease as genetic. Doctors are of the view that the women who once have a baby without a brain are at a greater risk of producing more such babies.

A baby without a brain dies within hours after birth as he or she is unable to perform basic tasks like breathing. However with Nicholas it is different. His parents are calling him a miracle baby.

Baby Without a Brain