SPHENOCEPHALY Meaning and
Definition
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Sphenocephaly is a term used in medical contexts to describe a rare congenital craniofacial deformity characterized by an abnormal shape and structure of the skull. It is a type of craniosynostosis, a condition where the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull (fontanels) close prematurely, resulting in an abnormal head shape and potential complications.
In sphenocephaly, the premature closure of the sphenoid fontanelle, which is located near the base of the skull, causes the skull to become elongated in the front-to-back direction. This leads to a narrow and elongated head shape, known as dolichocephaly. The closure of the sphenoid fontanelle may also affect the growth of the other cranial bones, resulting in various abnormalities in the shape of the skull, such as increased width or height in some areas.
Sphenocephaly can possibly lead to complications such as impaired brain growth, increased intracranial pressure, developmental delays, vision problems, and intellectual disabilities. Treatment for sphenocephaly typically involves cranial vault remodeling surgery, which aims to reshape the skull to allow for normal brain growth and function. Additional interventions may be necessary based on individual patient needs, such as the use of helmets or orthotic devices to help maximize skull shape correction.
Due to its rarity, the exact causes of sphenocephaly remain unknown, although it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic counseling and early intervention are important aspects of managing sphenocephaly to optimize outcomes for affected individuals.
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The state of having a wedge-shaped head.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPHENOCEPHALY
- sphenocephily
- sphenocephely
- sphenocephcly
- sphenocephady
- sphenocephahy
- sphenocephany
- sphenocephamy
- sphenocephal9
- sphenocephali
- sphenocephalq
- sphenocephalx
- spheknowcephaly
- sph enocephaly
- sphe nocephaly
- sphen ocephaly
- spheno cephaly
- sphenoc ephaly
- sphenoceph aly
- sphenocepha ly
- sphenocephal y
Etymology of SPHENOCEPHALY
The word "sphenocephaly" is derived from two Greek roots: "spheno" and "cephaly".
The first root, "spheno", comes from the Greek word "sphēn", which means "wedge-shaped" or "sphenoid". The sphenoid bone is a bone located in the base of the skull.
The second root, "cephaly", comes from the Greek word "kephalē", which means "head".
Therefore, "sphenocephaly" combines these two roots to form a term that refers to a condition or deformity affecting the shape of the head resulting from abnormalities or malformation in the sphenoid bone.
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