Baby born with huge fluid-filled growth containing part of her BRAIN defies odds to survive surgery and is now thriving

A 20-week scan revealed Isabella Grote, from North Dakota, had the rare birth defect encephalocele. 


The condition occurs when the neural tube, that forms the brain and spinal cord, does not close completely during early stages of pregnancy. It caused part of her brain to grow through an opening at the back of her skull (left). She was given a slim chance of survival when she was delivered by Caesarean section. At just three days old, she needed lifesaving surgery to have the sac removed and the small part of her brain placed back in her skull. There was a high chance she would have severe disabilities but she has continued to astonish doctors with her progress. Now four (right), Isabella is thriving and hitting all of her milestones. Mother Sharlotte said: 'We feel truly blessed to have our beautiful little girl with us today. She has been through more than most people have to go through in a lifetime.'