Craniopagus twins

Craniopagus twins are a rare phenomenon in which two twins are conjoined at the head. This condition occurs in approximately 1 in 2.5 million births, making it an extremely rare occurrence. The term "craniopagus" is derived from the Greek words "cranio" meaning skull, and "pagus" meaning fixed. Thus, craniopagus twins are twins who are 'fixed at the skull'.

Anatomy and Physiology

Craniopagus twins share a common skull, but the extent of their shared brain tissue can vary greatly. In some cases, the twins may share a significant portion of their brain, while in others, they may share only a small amount of tissue. The shared brain tissue can lead to shared consciousness, sensations, and even thoughts, although this is not always the case.

Causes

The exact cause of craniopagus twins is unknown, but it is believed to be due to an incomplete separation of the embryo during the early stages of pregnancy. This incomplete separation results in the twins being physically joined at the head.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of craniopagus twins is typically made during pregnancy through the use of ultrasound imaging. Once diagnosed, a team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, and pediatricians, work together to plan for the birth and subsequent care of the twins.

Treatment for craniopagus twins often involves surgery to separate the twins. However, this is a complex and risky procedure due to the shared brain tissue and blood vessels. The goal of surgery is to separate the twins while minimizing damage to their brains.

Prognosis

The prognosis for craniopagus twins varies greatly depending on the extent of their shared brain tissue and the success of surgical separation. Some craniopagus twins are able to live relatively normal lives following separation, while others may experience significant physical and cognitive impairments.

See Also

• Conjoined twins
• Twin
• Embryo
• Ultrasound
• Neurosurgery
• Plastic surgery
• Pediatrics