Epidemiological Profile of Live Births with Encephalocele in Brazil (2021–2025) and Its Relationship with Physiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Encephalocele is a rare central nervous system anomaly characterized by the protrusion of brain tissue and/or meninges through defects in the skull bones, resulting from a failure of neural tube closure during embryonic development. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of live-born children with encephalocele in Brazil between 2021 and 2025, relating these findings to the role of physical therapy. Methods: A retrospective, quantitative study using secondary data from the Monitoring Panel for Congenital Malformations, Deformities, and Chromosomal Anomalies. Data collection took place in July 2026, covering the 2021–2025 period; variables included the number of live births with encephalocele, maternal age group, type of delivery, race/color, and sex of the infants. Results: A total of 871 live births with encephalocele were identified in Brazil between 2021 and 2025, showing a slight increase in the number of cases over the period. There was a predominance of mothers aged 20 to 34 (63.49%), cesarean deliveries (82.55%), and children classified as *pardo* (mixed-race) (57.41%). These findings align with the Brazilian demographic and obstetric profile and corroborate existing literature, which identifies encephalocele as a neural tube defect of multifactorial etiology, primarily associated with folic acid deficiency, genetic factors, and maternal conditions. The high frequency of cesarean sections reflects the obstetric management of high-risk pregnancies, facilitated by prenatal diagnosis and planned care in specialized centers. In this context, physical therapy stands out as an essential component of rehabilitation, promoting neuropsychomotor development, preventing deformities, and improving the functionality and quality of life of affected children. Conclusion: The study highlights the need to strengthen strategies for preventing neural tube defects, particularly through folic acid supplementation, improved prenatal care, and expanded access to early diagnosis. Furthermore, it reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary approach - with a particular emphasis on physical therapy - as a fundamental element for optimizing functional prognosis and promoting better clinical and social outcomes for children with encephalocele.