The term "sincipital encephalocele" refers to a type of cranial abnormality wherein brain tissue herniates through a defect in the skull. The spelling of this word can be challenging due to the Latin roots and complex medical terminology. The correct pronunciation is [sɪnˈsɪpɪtəl ɛnˌsɛfələsiːl], with emphasis on the second syllable of each word. "Sincipital" refers to the front part of the head or skull, while "encephalocele" means a herniation or protrusion of the brain tissue.
Sincipital encephalocele is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of the brain and its covering membranes through an opening in the skull located at the front part of the head, known as the sinciput. This rare congenital anomaly occurs when the neural tube, which forms the central nervous system during fetal development, fails to close completely in the early stages of pregnancy. As a result, a portion of the brain tissue herniates through the defect, often covered by a sac-like membrane.
This condition typically presents as a visible sac-like structure emerging from the forehead, potentially causing facial abnormalities and distortions. Sincipital encephalocele can vary in size and severity, ranging from a small sac that is easily noticed to a larger, more significant protrusion. In some cases, in addition to the outward physical deformities, individuals with sincipital encephalocele may also experience symptoms such as hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain), developmental delays, intellectual disability, and neurological impairments.
Diagnosis of sincipital encephalocele involves a physical examination, imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and sometimes additional diagnostic tests to evaluate potential associated complications. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention to repair the skull defect and reposition the herniated brain tissue back into the cranial cavity.
Overall, sincipital encephalocele is a rare congenital condition characterized by the herniation of brain tissue and its surrounding membranes through an opening in the frontal part of the skull, resulting in physical abnormalities and potential neurological issues.
The word "sincipital" comes from the Latin "sinciput", which means "forehead" or "brow". It refers to the region of the head that includes the frontal bone and related structures.
The term "encephalocele" derives from two Greek words: "encephalon", which means "brain", and "kele", which means "tumor" or "hernia". Therefore, an encephalocele is a condition where a portion of the brain protrudes through a gap or opening in the skull.
Combining both terms, "sincipital encephalocele" describes a type of encephalocele specifically located in the sinciput or forehead region.