The aerodigestive and communicative behaviors of anencephalic and hydranencephalic patients are assessed from literature sources and are compared with documented neural structures present in the brainstem, subcortical, and cortical regions of the brain. Much of the data analyzed corroborate previous neurological studies, which focus on central pattern generators and development in model organisms. However, findings suggest that further research is necessary to determine which components of these systems support these behaviors. A low reporting rate of behavior in tandem with pathology is observed throughout the literature. More data pairing behavior and pathology is recommended, both in the interest of understanding the relationship between neural structures and functions, and to provide clinicians with more information about a patient's signs and symptoms. Potential clinical practices are recommended to increase documentation about patients within this population.
Keywords: CPG; anencephaly; central pattern generator; hydranencephaly; neural tube defects; oromotor.
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