discovery health
  • Our Networks
  • Discovery Channel
  • TLC
  • Animal Planet
  • Fit TV
  • Science Channel
  • Planet Green
  • search
  • Search
shop now
 
medical incredible
Rare Diseases and Conditions

Born With Two Heads
small text
large text

Manar Maged was born at an Egyptian hospital in March 2004 and immediately became a media sensation. Diagnosed with an extremely rare medical condition known as craniopagus parasiticus, Manar has one body and two heads.

Some more facts about Manar and her condition:

  • Manar's second head has no body and could not live without her.

  • There are just 10 known cases in medical history, and Manar is only the third baby to be born alive.

  • No baby with Manar's condition has lived past infancy.

  • The second twin was a parasite – surviving on Manar's blood supply and therefore putting her life at risk.

  • Apart from its head, the parasitic twin had only a lump of tissue containing part of the esophagus, part of the trachea, some ribs and part of the spine. There was no heart, lung, intestine or limbs.

  • Amazingly, the parasitic twin had a complete, functioning brain. She could suck, blink and react. She could feel unhappy or happy, independent of how Manar was feeling at the time.

  • Manar's surgery to separate her from her twin was a success, although the parasitic twin did not survive. But Manar may be suffering from brain damage. Only time will tell.


Pictures: DCI |

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS

Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green
Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Discovery News | Investigation Discovery | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV

HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education

Visit the Discovery Store: Toys & Games | Telescopes | DVD Sets | Planet Earth DVD | Gift Ideas

By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions
of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of September 10, 2008.
To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

Copyright © 2012 Discovery Communications, LLC.

The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.

 
Advertisement

Sponsored Links
newsletter