Platystencephaly is a medical term used to describe a rare condition in which the skull is flat and the brain is abnormally developed. The spelling of the word can be best explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet. The IPA transcription for this word is /plætɪstɛnsəfəli/ which breaks down into each individual sound in the word. The first two sounds, /pl/, represent the "p" and "l" consonant sounds, while the remainder of the word is formed by vowels and consonants blending together to create a complex set of syllables.
Platyencephaly is a medical term used to describe a rare congenital condition characterized by an abnormally flat shape of the brain's appearance. The word derives etymologically from the Greek roots "platys," meaning flat, and "encephalon," meaning brain.
In individuals with platyencephaly, the brain typically assumes a more flattened or shallow configuration compared to the usual rounded shape. This abnormality can be observed through various medical imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or computed tomography (CT) scans.
Platyencephaly is considered a malformation of the neural tube during embryonic development, which leads to an altered growth pattern and shape of the brain. It is often associated with other neurological anomalies, such as developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and motor impairments.
Although the exact causes of platyencephaly are not fully understood, researchers believe that genetic mutations or disruptions in early fetal development may play a role. Treatments for platyencephaly typically focus on addressing associated symptoms and providing supportive care, including physical and occupational therapies, medications, or surgical interventions when necessary.
Given that platyencephaly is a relatively rare condition, further research is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of its underlying causes, associated complications, and potential treatment options.
Extreme width of the skull in the occipital region, with narrowing anteriorly and prognathism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "platystencephaly" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "platys" meaning "flat" and "sténos" meaning "narrow" or "compressed", and the Greek word "enkephalos" meaning "brain". Therefore, "platystencephaly" can be understood as a medical term describing a condition where the head has a flattened and narrow shape due to abnormal brain development.