ENCEPHALOCELES Meaning and
Definition
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Encephaloceles are congenital abnormalities characterized by the herniation or protrusion of brain tissue through a defect in the skull. This condition occurs during embryonic development when the neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly.
Encephaloceles are often located in the cranial region, most commonly in the occipital area at the back of the head. However, they can also occur in other parts of the skull, such as the frontal or parietal regions. The severity of encephaloceles can vary, ranging from small protrusions with minimal neurological impact to larger masses that may cause significant impairment.
The brain tissue that herniates through the defect is covered by a thin layer of skin or a membrane-like structure. The condition may present as a visible bulge on the head or within the nasal and sinus passages, depending on the location of the encephalocele.
Encephaloceles are typically diagnosed shortly after birth through physical examination and medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. The treatment of encephaloceles often involves surgical correction to remove the protruding brain tissue and close the defect in the skull. This procedure aims to prevent complications such as infection, hydrocephalus (excessive fluid accumulation in the brain), and neurological deficits.
The outcomes for individuals with encephaloceles vary depending on the size, location, and associated brain abnormalities. Early intervention and multidisciplinary care involving neurosurgeons, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists are crucial in managing the condition and promoting optimal development and function for affected individuals.
Common Misspellings for ENCEPHALOCELES
- wncephaloceles
- sncephaloceles
- dncephaloceles
- rncephaloceles
- 4ncephaloceles
- 3ncephaloceles
- ebcephaloceles
- emcephaloceles
- ejcephaloceles
- ehcephaloceles
- enxephaloceles
- envephaloceles
- enfephaloceles
- endephaloceles
- encwphaloceles
- encsphaloceles
- encdphaloceles
- encrphaloceles
- enc4phaloceles
- enc3phaloceles
Etymology of ENCEPHALOCELES
The word "encephaloceles" is derived from two roots: "encephalo-" and "-celes".
1. "Encephalo-" is derived from the Greek word "enkephalon" (ἐγκέφαλον) meaning "brain". It refers to the brain or brain tissue.
2. "-Celes" comes from the Greek word "kele" (κῆλος) meaning "tumor" or "hernia". It is used as a suffix to describe pathological conditions, particularly hernias or abnormal protrusions.
Therefore, "encephaloceles" is a term referring to abnormal protrusions or herniations of the brain or brain tissue through gaps or defects in the skull.
