Craniocele is a rare medical condition where a portion of the brain protrudes through an opening in the skull. The word is spelled k-r-a-n-i-o-c-e-l-e and can be pronounced as /kɹeɪniəʊsiːl/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "c" in the beginning is pronounced as /k/ and the "o" is pronounced as /əʊ/. The "ce" is pronounced as "si" (/siː/), which is a common pattern in English spelling. The final "le" is pronounced as /l/.
Craniocele, also known as craniocerebral hernia, is a rare medical condition characterized by the protrusion or herniation of brain tissue through a defect in the skull. It is considered a form of encephalocele, which refers to abnormal protrusions of brain tissue through openings in the skull caused by an incomplete closing of the neural tube during fetal development.
Craniocele can occur in different areas of the skull, including the frontal, occipital, or parietal regions. The condition may be congenital, meaning it is present at birth, or it can develop later in life due to traumatic injuries, such as skull fractures or severe head trauma.
Symptoms associated with craniocele can vary depending on the size and location of the herniation. Common signs may include a visible lump or mass on the head, headaches, seizures, cognitive impairments, sensory disturbances, and developmental delays.
Treatment for craniocele typically involves surgical intervention to repair the skull defect and relieve pressure on the brain tissue. The specific surgical approach may depend on factors such as the location and size of the herniation, as well as the individual's overall health. In some cases, additional interventions, such as shunting to redirect cerebrospinal fluid, may be required to manage associated complications.
Due to its rarity and potential complications, craniocele necessitates multidisciplinary medical care involving neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, and other relevant specialists to provide comprehensive and tailored treatment options.
Encephalocele.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "craniocele" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots:
1. "Cranio" comes from the Greek word "kranion", which means "skull". This term refers to the bony structure that protects the brain.
2. "Cele" is derived from the Greek word "kele", which means "swelling" or "tumor".
Therefore, "craniocele" combines these two roots to describe a medical condition characterized by a swelling or tumor in the skull. More specifically, it refers to a herniation or protrusion of brain tissue through a defect in the skull.