Vestigial twin

It also can be a complete living being trapped inside the host person, however the parasitic twin is anencephalic and lacks consciousness.

[1] Most vestigial limbs are non-functional, and although they may have bones, muscles, and nerve endings, they are not under the control of the host.

Additionally, the presence of six or more digits on the hands and feet (polydactyly) is typically caused by a genetic or chromosomal anomaly and is not considered a case of vestigial twinning.

[1] Woman who are pregnant do not experience any different symptoms when carrying vestigial twins compared to a normal pregnancy.

Once the fetus is born, the presentation will typically consist of an extra extremity attached to the dominant twins body.

[2] One theory proposes that the usage of teratogenic drugs by the mother may be a factor in the development of vestigial parasitic twins.

According to the fusion theory there are two fertilized eggs in the womb that end up fusing together, this would create a fetus with the parasitic twins limbs attached.

An obstetric and gynecology physician can be treat and diagnose this patient, however a pregnant women would be referred to a maternal and fetal medicine specialist.

There have been cases where it is difficult to visualize the parasitic twins on an ultrasound, which would cause a delay in diagnoses until birth.

A healthcare provider would schedule additional tests to check to see if the fetus has any complications and treat them.

[1] After the fetus undergoes the procedure to remove the parasitic twin there is a risk to developing infection, hernia, and typical surgical complications.

[1] The typical prognosis for the case studies that have been found is overall good once the parasitic twin is separated.

However, researchers believe that abnormalities in the SHH protein can create a risk or a possible explanation for having vestigial twins.

[7] However, rachipagus parasiticus, an extremely rare type of parasitic twins, is most commonly reported in Ethiopia.