Anomalies of face and brain

The forming head is a community of interrelated cells, tissues and complex organs. Anomalies of the craniofacial complex constitute a special category of birth defects because they involve several organ systems and functions including the central nervous system, upper respiratory and alimentary tracts, vision, speech and hearing, and facial expression. A review of face-brain anomalies, utilizing a heuristic classification, is presented to provide a rational basis for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical and laboratory investigation.