HYDROCEPHALOCELE Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrocephalocele is a medical term that refers to a congenital condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cranium, leading to the formation of a sac-like protrusion or herniation. This sac consists of brain tissue, meninges (layers of tissue covering the brain), and CSF. Hydrocephalocele typically occurs as a result of a developmental defect during pregnancy, where the neural tube fails to close properly, leading to the formation of the sac.
Individuals affected by hydrocephalocele may exhibit various symptoms depending on the size and location of the sac. These symptoms can include an abnormal head size or shape, intellectual disability, delayed development, visual impairments, seizures, and increased intracranial pressure. Diagnosis is often made through physical examination, radiographic imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other neuroimaging tests.
Treatment of hydrocephalocele usually involves surgical intervention to repair the defect and redirect the flow of CSF. This is done by removing the sac and making necessary adjustments to restore normal CSF circulation and relieve pressure on the brain. Additionally, individuals may require ongoing care to manage complications, treat associated conditions, and monitor for any recurrence of hydrocephalocele.
The long-term prognosis for individuals with hydrocephalocele can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the presence of associated abnormalities, and the promptness and effectiveness of the treatment. With appropriate medical and surgical management, many individuals affected by hydrocephalocele can experience improved quality of life and have the potential to achieve developmental milestones.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYDROCEPHALOCELE
- gydrocephalocele
- bydrocephalocele
- nydrocephalocele
- jydrocephalocele
- uydrocephalocele
- yydrocephalocele
- htdrocephalocele
- hgdrocephalocele
- hhdrocephalocele
- hudrocephalocele
- h7drocephalocele
- h6drocephalocele
- hysrocephalocele
- hyxrocephalocele
- hycrocephalocele
- hyfrocephalocele
- hyrrocephalocele
- hyerocephalocele
- hydeocephalocele
- hyddocephalocele
Etymology of HYDROCEPHALOCELE
The word "hydrocephalocele" has its etymology rooted in three main components: "hydro", "cephalo", and "cele".
1. "Hydro-" is derived from the Greek word "hydor", meaning water. In medical terminology, it is commonly used to refer to fluid or water-related conditions.
2. "Cephalo-" is derived from the Greek word "kephalē", which translates to head. It is used to indicate anything related to the head.
3. "Cele" is derived from the Latin word "cele", meaning swelling or hernia. In medical terminology, it typically describes a pathological protrusion or bulge.
Combining these components, "hydrocephalocele" is a term used to describe a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the head, resulting in a swelling or herniation.
