ENCEPHALOCOELE Meaning and
Definition
-
Encephalocoele is a medical term that refers to a rare congenital condition characterized by the protrusion of brain tissue through a defect in the skull. It is a type of neural tube defect that typically occurs during fetal development. A sac-like protrusion forms on the skull, which contains a portion of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and the meningeal coverings. The encephalocoele can appear in various locations, including the back of the skull (occipital encephalocoele), the base of the skull (basal encephalocoele), or through the sides of the skull (parasagittal encephalocoele).
The exact cause of encephalocoele is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic mutations and certain prenatal factors may contribute to the development of the condition. Encephalocoeles can vary in size and severity, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Common signs include a visible sac-like protrusion on the head, intellectual disability, developmental delays, seizures, hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of fluid within the brain), and facial abnormalities.
Treatment of encephalocoele usually involves surgical intervention to remove the protrusion and repair the skull defect. The timing and complexity of the surgery depend on the size and location of the encephalocoele, as well as the associated complications. After surgery, additional medical care and multidisciplinary support may be required to manage any neurological or developmental issues that arise as a result of the condition. Long-term outcomes and prognosis can vary depending on the individual case.
-
1. The cranial cavity. 2. The cerebral ventricles taken collectively.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENCEPHALOCOELE
- encephalocele
- wncephalocoele
- sncephalocoele
- dncephalocoele
- rncephalocoele
- 4ncephalocoele
- 3ncephalocoele
- ebcephalocoele
- emcephalocoele
- ejcephalocoele
- ehcephalocoele
- enxephalocoele
- envephalocoele
- enfephalocoele
- endephalocoele
- encwphalocoele
- encsphalocoele
- encdphalocoele
- encrphalocoele
- enc4phalocoele
Etymology of ENCEPHALOCOELE
The word "encephalocoele" is derived from two Greek roots:
1. "Encephalo-": This comes from the Greek word "enkephalos" (ἐγκέφαλος), which means "brain". It is derived from "en" (ἐν), meaning "in", and "kephalē" (κεφαλή), meaning "head".
2. "-coele": This is derived from the Greek word "koilos" (κοῖλος), which means "hollow" or "cavity".
Combined, the term "encephalocoele" refers to a congenital condition where a portion of the brain protrudes out through a defect in the skull, forming a sac-like structure. The term describes the cavity or hollow structure associated with this condition.
Similar spelling word for ENCEPHALOCOELE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
