Cyclopia

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Image:Cyclopia.jpg Cyclopia (also cyclocephaly or synophthalmia) is a rare form of holoprosencephaly and is a congenital disorder (birth defect) characterized by the failure of the embryonic prosencephalon to properly divide the orbits of the eye into two cavities. Its incidence is 1 in 16,000 in born animals, and 1 in 250 in embryos.<ref>Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, ISBN 0-8036-0654-0</ref> Typically, the nose is either missing or replaced with a non-functioning nose in the form of a proboscis. Toxins found in wild plants, such as the Veratrum californicum, can disrupt the embryonic forebrain-dividing process.<ref>http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=15530</ref> The mistake of ingesting Veratrum californicum while pregnant is often due to the fact that hellebore, a plant with which it is easily confused, is recommended as a natural treatment for vomiting, cramps, and poor circulation, three conditions that are quite common in pregnant women. There is also a correlation between the development of Holoprosencephaly and a Folic Acid deficiency during the first weeks of pregnancy. Woman who are pregnant or are considering getting pregnant should either supplement their diet with Folic Acid found in prenatal vitamens or consume leafy green vegetables, a source of folate.