Occipital encephalocele is a medical condition where there is herniation of brain tissue through a gap in the skull at the back of the head. The spelling of this word follows the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) where "occipital" is spelled as ɑkˈsɪpɪt(ə)l and "encephalocele" is spelled as ɛnˈsɛf(ə)ləʊsɛl. The correct spelling of this word is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment of the condition, which may require surgical intervention.
Occipital encephalocele is a medical condition characterized by a protrusion of the brain and its membranes through an opening in the back of the skull. It is a type of neural tube defect that affects the occipital bone, which is located at the lower back area of the skull.
Encephalocele occurs due to a failure in the closure of the neural tube during early fetal development, resulting in a gap or opening in the skull. The protruding brain tissue and meninges may be covered by a thin layer of skin or a sac-like structure, and it typically contains cerebrospinal fluid.
The exact cause of occipital encephalocele is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic mutations, maternal vitamin deficiencies, exposure to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy, or radiation exposure may contribute to its development.
This condition can lead to various complications, including hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain), intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, seizures, and problems with vision or hearing. Treatment for occipital encephalocele usually involves surgical intervention to close the opening in the skull and to remove or reposition the protruding brain tissue.
Overall, occipital encephalocele is a congenital abnormality characterized by the herniation of brain and its coverings through a defect in the occipital bone, which can have significant implications for a person's neurological development and overall health.
The word "Occipital Encephalocele" can be broken down into two parts: "occipital" and "encephalocele".
1. Occipital: The term "occipital" is derived from the Latin word "occiput", which means "back of the head" or "skull". It refers to the posterior part of the cranium.
2. Encephalocele: The word "encephalocele" is composed of two Greek components. "Encephalo-" comes from the Greek word "enkephalos", meaning "brain", and "-cele" is derived from "kele", which means "hernia" or "swelling". Therefore, an "encephalocele" refers to a herniation or protrusion of brain tissue through a gap or defect in the skull.