Glossary

Encephalocele glossary

Every term in the Encephalocele glossary — 265 plain-language definitions across 11 sections, each with its own page.

Core Terms & Classification

Encephalocele: An encephalocele is a rare birth defect, and a type of neural tube defect, in which part of the brain and its surrounding membranes push through an opening in the skull to form a sac.
Cephalocele: A cephalocele is an umbrella term for any protrusion of the skull's contents — brain, meninges, or cerebrospinal fluid — through a defect in the cranium.
Cranium bifidum: Cranium bifidum is a congenital opening or cleft in the skull bone through which intracranial contents can herniate.
Meningocele (cranial): A cranial meningocele is a protrusion that contains only the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid, with no brain tissue.
Meningoencephalocele: A meningoencephalocele is a protrusion that contains brain tissue along with the meninges and usually cerebrospinal fluid.
Encephalomeningocele: Encephalomeningocele is another name for a meningoencephalocele — a sac containing both brain tissue and meninges.
Neural tube defect (NTD): A neural tube defect is one of a group of birth defects that happen when the neural tube — the early structure that becomes the brain and spinal cord — fails to close properly during pregnancy.
Cranial neural tube defect: A cranial neural tube defect is a neural tube defect affecting the skull and brain rather than the spine.
Dysraphism: Dysraphism is incomplete closure or fusion of midline structures during development.
Herniation: Herniation is the abnormal pushing of an organ or tissue through an opening.
Protrusion: A protrusion is tissue that bulges or sticks out beyond its normal boundary.
Encephalocele sac: The encephalocele sac is the pouch that protrudes through the skull opening, made up of meninges and cerebrospinal fluid, and sometimes brain tissue.
Sac contents: Sac contents are what is actually inside an encephalocele sac — cerebrospinal fluid, meninges, and sometimes brain tissue.
Skin-covered (epithelialized) encephalocele: A skin-covered encephalocele is one whose sac is fully covered by skin.
Functional brain tissue: Functional brain tissue is brain tissue within an encephalocele sac that still performs a useful role.
Non-functional brain tissue: Non-functional brain tissue is tissue within the sac that is malformed or no longer serving a useful purpose.
Atretic encephalocele: An atretic encephalocele is a small, often flat or nodular form made of a tiny remnant of meninges and tissue.
Anterior encephalocele: An anterior encephalocele is located toward the front of the skull or face — frontal, frontoethmoidal, nasal, or basal.
Posterior encephalocele: A posterior encephalocele is located toward the back of the skull, most often occipital.
Sincipital encephalocele: A sincipital encephalocele is an anterior encephalocele appearing at the junction of the forehead, nose, and eyes.
Basal encephalocele: A basal encephalocele protrudes inward through the skull base into the nasal cavity, sinuses, or throat, rather than forming a visible external bulge.
Congenital: Congenital means present at birth.
Birth defect: A birth defect is a structural or functional difference present at birth that affects how part of the body forms or works.
Midline defect: A midline defect is a structural abnormality occurring along the body's central axis.
Pedicle (encephalocele stalk): The pedicle, or stalk, is the neck of tissue connecting the encephalocele sac to the inside of the skull through the bony opening.
Bony defect (cranial defect): The bony defect is the actual opening or gap in the skull through which the encephalocele protrudes.

Types of Encephalocele by Location

Occipital encephalocele: An occipital encephalocele is an encephalocele at the back of the head, in the region of the occipital bone.
Frontal encephalocele: A frontal encephalocele is an encephalocele in the forehead region of the skull.
Frontoethmoidal encephalocele: A frontoethmoidal encephalocele is an anterior encephalocele that protrudes between the frontal and ethmoid bones, near the root of the nose and the eyes.
Nasofrontal encephalocele: A nasofrontal encephalocele is a frontoethmoidal subtype that protrudes at the junction of the frontal and nasal bones, typically at the bridge of the nose.
Nasoethmoidal encephalocele: A nasoethmoidal encephalocele is a frontoethmoidal subtype that protrudes along the side of the nose, between the nasal bones and the ethmoid.
Naso-orbital encephalocele: A naso-orbital encephalocele is a frontoethmoidal subtype that extends toward the eye socket (orbit) and can affect eye position.
Parietal encephalocele: A parietal encephalocele is an encephalocele at the top of the head, through the parietal bones.
Temporal encephalocele: A temporal encephalocele is an encephalocele involving the temporal bone region on the side of the skull.
Sphenoidal encephalocele: A sphenoidal encephalocele is a basal encephalocele involving the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull.
Transsphenoidal encephalocele: A transsphenoidal encephalocele is a rare basal encephalocele that herniates through the sphenoid bone into the nasopharynx or sphenoid sinus.
Transethmoidal encephalocele: A transethmoidal encephalocele is a basal encephalocele that herniates through the ethmoid bone (cribriform plate) into the nasal cavity.
Sphenoethmoidal encephalocele: A sphenoethmoidal encephalocele is a basal encephalocele involving both the sphenoid and ethmoid regions of the skull base.
Spheno-orbital encephalocele: A spheno-orbital encephalocele is a basal encephalocele that extends into the orbit (eye socket) through the sphenoid bone.
Nasal encephalocele: A nasal encephalocele is an encephalocele that appears as a mass in or around the nose.
Nasopharyngeal encephalocele: A nasopharyngeal encephalocele is a basal encephalocele that protrudes into the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Convexity encephalocele: A convexity encephalocele occurs over the rounded outer surface of the skull, such as parietal or occipital locations.
Interfrontal encephalocele: An interfrontal encephalocele is a midline anterior encephalocele located between the frontal bones.
Supratentorial: Supratentorial means located above the tentorium, the membrane separating the cerebrum from the cerebellum.
Infratentorial: Infratentorial means located below the tentorium, in the region of the cerebellum and brainstem.
Orbit: The orbit is the bony eye socket that holds and protects the eyeball.

Skull & Cranial Anatomy

Skull: The skull is the bony framework of the head that encloses and protects the brain.
Cranium: The cranium is the part of the skull that surrounds the brain.
Calvaria (calvarium): The calvaria is the dome-shaped upper part of the skull that covers the brain.
Cranial vault: The cranial vault is the space enclosed by the skull bones where the brain sits, and also describes the bony dome itself.
Skull base (cranial base): The skull base is the bony floor of the skull on which the brain rests.
Fontanelle (soft spot): A fontanelle is a soft, membrane-covered gap between a baby's skull bones that allows the skull to grow.
Anterior fontanelle: The anterior fontanelle is the diamond-shaped soft spot at the top-front of a baby's head, usually closing by about 18–24 months.
Posterior fontanelle: The posterior fontanelle is the smaller soft spot toward the back of a baby's head, usually closing within the first few months.
Cranial suture: A cranial suture is a fibrous joint between the bones of the skull that lets the skull grow as the brain grows.
Sagittal suture: The sagittal suture runs front-to-back along the midline top of the skull, between the two parietal bones.
Coronal suture: The coronal suture runs side-to-side across the top of the skull, separating the frontal bone from the parietal bones.
Lambdoid suture: The lambdoid suture runs across the back of the skull, separating the occipital bone from the parietal bones.
Metopic suture: The metopic suture is the midline suture of the forehead, between the two halves of the frontal bone.
Foramen cecum: The foramen cecum is a small midline pit at the front of the skull base, near where the frontal and ethmoid bones meet.
Fonticulus frontalis: The fonticulus frontalis is a temporary fontanelle between the developing frontal and nasal bones in the embryo.
Cribriform plate: The cribriform plate is the perforated part of the ethmoid bone at the skull base through which the olfactory (smell) nerves pass.
Ethmoid bone: The ethmoid bone is a small, spongy bone between the eyes that forms part of the nasal cavity and skull base.
Sphenoid bone: The sphenoid bone is a butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull behind the eyes.
Frontal bone: The frontal bone is the bone of the forehead and the front of the cranial vault.
Occipital bone: The occipital bone is the bone at the back and lower part of the skull.
Parietal bone: A parietal bone is one of the two bones forming the upper sides and roof of the skull.
Temporal bone: The temporal bone is the bone at the side and base of the skull, housing the ear structures.
Nasion: The nasion is the midline point where the frontal and nasal bones meet, at the root of the nose between the eyes.
Glabella: The glabella is the smooth area of the forehead between the eyebrows and above the nose.
Foramen magnum: The foramen magnum is the large opening at the base of the occipital bone where the brainstem connects to the spinal cord.
Sella turcica: The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that holds the pituitary gland.
Sinus (paranasal): A paranasal sinus is an air-filled space within the bones around the nose.

Brain, Meninges & CSF Anatomy

Dura mater: The dura mater is the tough, outermost membrane covering the brain and spinal cord.
Arachnoid mater: The arachnoid mater is the thin, web-like middle membrane covering the brain, between the dura and pia.
Pia mater: The pia mater is the delicate innermost membrane that lies directly on the surface of the brain.
Meninges: The meninges are the three protective membranes — dura, arachnoid, and pia — that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Brain (cerebrum): The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for thinking, movement, sensation, and much more.
Cerebellum: The cerebellum is the part of the brain at the back and bottom that coordinates movement and balance.
Brainstem: The brainstem is the lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.
Cerebral cortex: The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the cerebrum where much higher-level processing occurs.
Gray matter: Gray matter is brain tissue made up mainly of nerve cell bodies, including the cortex.
White matter: White matter is brain tissue made up mainly of nerve fibers that connect different regions.
Gyrus: A gyrus is a ridge or fold on the surface of the brain.
Sulcus: A sulcus is a groove or valley between the ridges on the surface of the brain.
Ventricle (brain): A brain ventricle is one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain that produce and hold cerebrospinal fluid.
Lateral ventricle: A lateral ventricle is one of the two largest ventricles, one in each half of the brain.
Third ventricle: The third ventricle is a central, narrow ventricle connecting the lateral ventricles to the fourth ventricle.
Fourth ventricle: The fourth ventricle is the ventricle near the brainstem and cerebellum that connects to the spinal fluid spaces.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and circulates through the ventricles.
Choroid plexus: The choroid plexus is tissue within the ventricles that produces cerebrospinal fluid.
Corpus callosum: The corpus callosum is the large band of white matter connecting the brain's left and right halves.
Optic nerve: The optic nerve is the nerve carrying visual information from the eye to the brain.
Olfactory nerve (olfactory bulb): The olfactory nerve and bulb are the structures responsible for the sense of smell, passing through the cribriform plate.
Falx cerebri: The falx cerebri is the sickle-shaped fold of dura that dips down between the brain's two halves.
Tentorium cerebelli: The tentorium cerebelli is the tent-like fold of dura separating the cerebrum above from the cerebellum below.
Pituitary gland: The pituitary gland is a small hormone-producing gland at the base of the brain, sitting in the sella turcica.
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is a region at the base of the brain that regulates hormones, temperature, and other body functions.
Posterior fossa: The posterior fossa is the space at the back and base of the skull containing the cerebellum and brainstem.
Encephalomalacia: Encephalomalacia is softening or loss of brain tissue, sometimes seen in or near malformed areas.

Embryology & Early Development

Neural tube: The neural tube is the early embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord.
Neurulation: Neurulation is the process by which the neural tube forms and closes during early development.
Neural plate: The neural plate is the flat sheet of cells that folds to form the neural tube.
Neural fold: The neural folds are the raised edges of the neural plate that rise up and meet to close the neural tube.
Neural crest: Neural crest cells are a special group of cells that arise near the neural tube and give rise to many tissues.
Neural tube closure: Neural tube closure is the sealing of the neural tube during early development, completed at specific points along its length.
Anterior neuropore: The anterior neuropore is the front opening of the neural tube that normally closes first during development.
Posterior neuropore: The posterior neuropore is the rear opening of the neural tube that normally closes after the anterior end.
Notochord: The notochord is an early embryonic structure that helps guide formation of the neural tube and spine.
Neural groove: The neural groove is the depression that forms as the neural plate folds, before it closes into a tube.
Ectoderm: The ectoderm is the outer layer of the early embryo that gives rise to the nervous system and skin.
Surface ectoderm: The surface ectoderm is the part of the ectoderm that becomes the skin and related structures.
Mesenchyme: Mesenchyme is loosely organized embryonic connective tissue that gives rise to bone, including parts of the skull.
Ossification: Ossification is the process by which tissue turns into bone, including the bones of the skull.
Gestation (gestational age): Gestation is the period of development in the womb, and gestational age describes how far along a pregnancy is.
Embryonic period: The embryonic period is the early phase of pregnancy when major organs and structures, including the neural tube, form.
First trimester: The first trimester is the first third of pregnancy, roughly weeks 1 through 12, when the neural tube forms and closes.
Folic acid (folate): Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent some neural tube defects when taken before and during early pregnancy.

Associated Conditions & Findings

Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that increases pressure and can enlarge the head.
Microcephaly: Microcephaly is a smaller-than-expected head size, often reflecting reduced brain growth.
Macrocephaly: Macrocephaly is a larger-than-expected head size, which in some cases reflects hydrocephalus.
Chiari malformation: A Chiari malformation is a condition where lower parts of the brain extend toward or through the opening at the base of the skull.
Chiari III malformation: Chiari III malformation is a rare, severe form involving a posterior encephalocele that contains hindbrain tissue.
Chiari II malformation: Chiari II malformation is a form associated with spina bifida, in which hindbrain structures are displaced downward.
Agenesis of the corpus callosum: Agenesis of the corpus callosum is the partial or complete absence of the band of fibers connecting the brain's two halves.
Cortical dysplasia: Cortical dysplasia is abnormal development of the brain's cortex that can affect function and contribute to seizures.
Polymicrogyria: Polymicrogyria is a malformation where the brain develops too many small folds.
Lissencephaly: Lissencephaly is a malformation where the brain's surface is abnormally smooth, with too few folds.
Heterotopia (gray matter): Gray matter heterotopia is the presence of normal brain cells in an abnormal location due to disrupted development.
Ventriculomegaly: Ventriculomegaly is enlargement of the brain's ventricles, which can be an early sign of hydrocephalus.
Dandy-Walker malformation: Dandy-Walker malformation is a condition affecting the cerebellum and the fourth ventricle at the back of the brain.
Hypertelorism (ocular): Ocular hypertelorism is an increased distance between the eyes, sometimes seen with anterior encephaloceles.
Telecanthus: Telecanthus is an increased distance between the inner corners of the eyes, while the eye sockets themselves may be normally spaced.
Cleft lip and palate: Cleft lip and palate are openings in the lip or roof of the mouth that can occur with some craniofacial conditions.
Developmental delay: Developmental delay is when a child reaches milestones later than expected in one or more areas.
Intellectual disability: Intellectual disability involves significant limitations in learning, reasoning, and everyday skills.
Seizure: A seizure is a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in movement, sensation, or awareness.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a condition of recurrent seizures, sometimes seen when brain malformations are present.
Cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture due to differences in brain development or early brain injury.
Visual impairment: Visual impairment is reduced vision that can result from pressure on, or malformation of, the visual pathways.
Strabismus: Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, where the eyes do not point in the same direction.
Nystagmus: Nystagmus is involuntary, repetitive eye movement that can be associated with vision or neurological differences.
Optic nerve hypoplasia: Optic nerve hypoplasia is underdevelopment of the optic nerve, which can affect vision.
Morning glory disc anomaly: Morning glory disc anomaly is a malformation of the optic disc at the back of the eye, sometimes linked to basal encephaloceles.
Coloboma: A coloboma is a gap or hole in part of the eye, such as the iris or retina, present from birth.
Spina bifida: Spina bifida is a neural tube defect of the spine, in the same family of conditions as encephalocele.
Myelomeningocele: Myelomeningocele is the most significant form of spina bifida, where the spinal cord and membranes protrude through the spine.
Anencephaly: Anencephaly is a severe neural tube defect in which major parts of the brain and skull do not form.
Iniencephaly: Iniencephaly is a rare, severe neural tube defect involving the occiput and spine with extreme backward bending of the head.
Craniorachischisis: Craniorachischisis is a rare, severe neural tube defect involving both the skull and the spine.
Holoprosencephaly: Holoprosencephaly is a condition where the brain does not fully divide into two halves during development.
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP): Increased intracranial pressure is elevated pressure inside the skull, which can result from fluid buildup like hydrocephalus.

Genetic Syndromes & Genetics

Syndrome: A syndrome is a recognized pattern of features that occur together and often share a single underlying cause.
Syndromic encephalocele: A syndromic encephalocele is an encephalocele that occurs as part of a broader genetic syndrome with other features.
Isolated (nonsyndromic) encephalocele: An isolated encephalocele occurs on its own, without being part of a broader genetic syndrome.
Meckel-Gruber syndrome: Meckel-Gruber syndrome is a serious genetic condition that can include occipital encephalocele, kidney cysts, and extra fingers or toes.
Walker-Warburg syndrome: Walker-Warburg syndrome is a severe genetic condition affecting the brain, eyes, and muscles, sometimes including encephalocele.
Fraser syndrome: Fraser syndrome is a genetic condition that can include encephalocele along with eye, finger, and other differences.
Knobloch syndrome: Knobloch syndrome is a genetic condition that can include occipital encephalocele along with significant eye abnormalities.
Roberts syndrome: Roberts syndrome is a rare genetic condition affecting limb and facial development that can include encephalocele.
Joubert syndrome: Joubert syndrome is a genetic condition affecting the brainstem and cerebellum that can include an encephalocele.
Amniotic band sequence: Amniotic band sequence occurs when strands of the amniotic sac wrap around parts of the developing baby, sometimes causing an encephalocele-like defect.
Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome): Trisomy 13 is a chromosomal condition, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13, that can include encephalocele.
Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome): Trisomy 18 is a chromosomal condition, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18, that can include encephalocele.
Sequence (in dysmorphology): A sequence is a pattern of features that all stem from a single initial event during development.
Association (in dysmorphology): An association is a group of features that occur together more often than by chance but without a known single cause.
Dysmorphic features: Dysmorphic features are differences in physical appearance that can signal an underlying genetic condition.
Karyotype: A karyotype is a test that examines a person's chromosomes for changes in number or structure.
Chromosomal microarray: Chromosomal microarray is a detailed genetic test that detects small missing or extra pieces of chromosomes.
Recurrence risk: Recurrence risk is the chance that a condition could happen again in a future pregnancy.
CEP290 gene: The CEP290 gene is a gene that, when altered, is associated with some conditions that can include encephalocele.

Diagnosis & Imaging

Prenatal diagnosis: Prenatal diagnosis is the identification of a condition like encephalocele before birth, usually through imaging.
Ultrasound (prenatal): Prenatal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the developing baby and is a primary tool for detecting encephalocele.
Sonography: Sonography is another term for ultrasound imaging, using sound waves to produce pictures of the body.
Anatomy scan (anomaly scan): The anatomy scan is a detailed ultrasound done around mid-pregnancy to examine the baby's development.
Nuchal translucency: Nuchal translucency is a measurement taken on early ultrasound that is part of first-trimester screening.
Fetal MRI: Fetal MRI is detailed magnetic resonance imaging of the baby before birth, used to evaluate the brain and an encephalocele's contents.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is a detailed imaging method using magnetic fields to show the brain and soft tissues without radiation.
Computed tomography (CT): CT is an imaging method using X-rays to produce detailed pictures, especially useful for showing the bony skull defect.
3D CT reconstruction: 3D CT reconstruction turns CT images into a three-dimensional model of the skull to help plan surgery.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Alpha-fetoprotein is a substance measured in prenatal screening that can be elevated with some neural tube defects.
Maternal serum AFP: Maternal serum AFP is a blood test measuring alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood as part of prenatal screening.
Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a test that samples the amniotic fluid to obtain genetic and other information about the baby.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Chorionic villus sampling is a test that samples placental tissue early in pregnancy for genetic information.
Transillumination: Transillumination is shining a light through a sac to help assess whether it contains mostly fluid or solid tissue.
Differential diagnosis: A differential diagnosis is the list of possible conditions that could explain a finding, which testing helps narrow down.
Nasal glioma: A nasal glioma is a mass of brain-like tissue in or near the nose that, unlike an encephalocele, does not connect to the brain.
Dermoid cyst: A dermoid cyst is a benign cyst containing tissue like skin or hair that can occur near the nose or skull and may resemble an encephalocele.
Nasal dermoid: A nasal dermoid is a dermoid cyst specifically in the nasal region that can have a tract toward the skull base.
Epidermoid cyst: An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst lined with skin-like tissue that can occur in various locations, sometimes near the skull.
Cephalohematoma: A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp's covering that can occur after birth and is not an encephalocele.
Caput succedaneum: Caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp from the birth process that is not an encephalocele and resolves quickly.
Surveillance imaging: Surveillance imaging is repeat imaging over time to monitor a condition, such as watching for changes after encephalocele repair.
EEG (electroencephalogram): An EEG is a test that records the brain's electrical activity, used to evaluate seizures.

Treatment, Surgery & Anesthesia

Neurosurgery: Neurosurgery is the surgical specialty focused on the brain, spine, and nervous system, central to encephalocele repair.
Pediatric neurosurgeon: A pediatric neurosurgeon is a surgeon specialized in nervous system conditions in children, who typically leads encephalocele repair.
Craniofacial surgery: Craniofacial surgery is the surgical specialty focused on the skull and face, often involved in anterior encephalocele repair.
Surgical repair (encephalocele repair): Surgical repair is the operation to correct an encephalocele by managing the sac contents, closing the membranes, and reconstructing the skull.
Excision: Excision is the surgical removal of tissue, such as non-functional tissue from an encephalocele sac.
Resection: Resection is the surgical removal of part of a structure, such as non-functional tissue, as part of encephalocele repair.
Dural closure: Dural closure is the surgical sealing of the dura mater, a central step in encephalocele repair.
Watertight closure: A watertight closure is a seal of the dura that fully prevents cerebrospinal fluid from leaking, a key goal of encephalocele surgery.
Duraplasty: Duraplasty is the repair or reconstruction of the dura, often using a graft, to achieve a watertight closure.
Dural graft: A dural graft is tissue or material used to patch or reinforce the dura during repair.
Cranioplasty: Cranioplasty is the surgical repair and reconstruction of the bony skull defect.
Bone graft: A bone graft is bone or bone-like material used to help reconstruct the skull during cranioplasty.
Craniotomy: A craniotomy is a surgical opening of the skull to access the brain or membranes, sometimes used in encephalocele repair.
Endoscopic repair: Endoscopic repair uses a small camera and instruments to fix an encephalocele through a minimal opening, often through the nose.
Endoscopic endonasal approach: The endoscopic endonasal approach reaches an encephalocele through the nostrils using an endoscope, without an external incision.
Transnasal approach: A transnasal approach is surgery performed through the nose, used for certain basal and nasal encephaloceles.
Transcranial approach: A transcranial approach reaches an encephalocele through the skull, used for many convexity and some anterior types.
Minimally invasive surgery: Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller openings and specialized instruments to reduce the impact of an operation.
Lumbar drain: A lumbar drain is a thin tube placed in the lower back to drain cerebrospinal fluid, sometimes used around skull-base surgery.
Shunt: A shunt is a device that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to another part of the body to treat hydrocephalus.
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: A ventriculoperitoneal shunt drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles to the abdomen.
Shunt valve: A shunt valve is the part of a shunt that regulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV): An endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a procedure that creates a new internal pathway for cerebrospinal fluid to treat some hydrocephalus, as an alternative to a shunt.
Craniofacial reconstruction: Craniofacial reconstruction is surgery to restore the structure and appearance of the skull and face, often part of anterior encephalocele repair.
Osteotomy: An osteotomy is the surgical cutting and reshaping of bone, sometimes used in craniofacial reconstruction.
Tissue expander: A tissue expander is a device placed under the skin to gently stretch it, creating extra skin for reconstruction.
General anesthesia: General anesthesia is medication that keeps a child fully asleep and pain-free during surgery.
Anesthesiologist: An anesthesiologist is the physician who manages anesthesia and monitors a child's vital functions during surgery.
Intraoperative: Intraoperative refers to events or care that happen during surgery.
Postoperative: Postoperative refers to the period and care after surgery, including recovery and monitoring.
Conservative management (observation): Conservative management is monitoring a condition over time rather than operating immediately, used in selected situations.

Complications & Outcomes

Cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF leak): A cerebrospinal fluid leak is escape of CSF through a gap in the membranes, a recognized risk of encephalocele surgery.
CSF rhinorrhea: CSF rhinorrhea is leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose, which can occur with skull-base defects or after surgery.
Meningitis: Meningitis is infection or inflammation of the membranes around the brain, a serious risk that a CSF leak can increase.
Surgical site infection: A surgical site infection is an infection at the location of surgery, a general surgical risk that is monitored and treated.
Wound dehiscence: Wound dehiscence is the partial or complete reopening of a surgical wound during healing.
Recurrence: Recurrence is the return of an encephalocele after repair, which is monitored for over time.
Revision surgery: Revision surgery is a follow-up operation to address a recurrence or a complication after the initial repair.
Shunt malfunction: Shunt malfunction is when a shunt stops working properly, which can lead to a return of hydrocephalus symptoms.
Shunt infection: A shunt infection is an infection involving a shunt, requiring prompt medical treatment.
Postoperative hematoma: A postoperative hematoma is a collection of blood that can form after surgery and is monitored for during recovery.
Prognosis: Prognosis is the expected course and outcome of a condition, which for encephalocele depends on many factors.
Prognostic factor: A prognostic factor is a feature that helps predict the likely course or outcome of a condition.
Mortality rate: A mortality rate is the proportion of people with a condition who do not survive, reported as a population-level statistic.
Survival rate: A survival rate is the proportion of people with a condition who survive, reported as a population-level statistic.
Morbidity: Morbidity refers to the health problems or complications associated with a condition, separate from survival.
Outcome: An outcome is the overall result of a condition and its treatment, encompassing survival, development, and quality of life.

Care Team, Therapy & Support

Multidisciplinary team: A multidisciplinary team is a group of specialists from different fields who coordinate a child's care.
Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM): Maternal-fetal medicine is the specialty caring for higher-risk pregnancies, including when a baby has a prenatally diagnosed condition.
Neonatology (NICU): Neonatology is the specialty caring for newborns, including in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Pediatrician: A pediatrician is a doctor who provides general medical care for children and helps coordinate their overall health.
Developmental pediatrician: A developmental pediatrician is a specialist in children's development, learning, and behavior.
Neurologist (pediatric): A pediatric neurologist is a doctor specializing in children's brain and nervous system conditions, without performing surgery.
Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor who evaluates and treats vision and eye conditions.
Otolaryngologist (ENT): An otolaryngologist, or ENT, is a doctor specializing in the ear, nose, and throat, often involved in basal and nasal encephalocele care.
Geneticist: A geneticist is a doctor specializing in genetic conditions who can evaluate whether an encephalocele is part of a syndrome.
Genetic counseling: Genetic counseling helps families understand genetic findings, inheritance, and the chance of a condition recurring.
Genetic testing: Genetic testing examines a person's genes or chromosomes to identify changes that may explain a condition.
Palliative care: Palliative care is specialized care focused on comfort, quality of life, and support for the child and family, alongside other treatment.
Early intervention: Early intervention is a program of services that supports the development of young children with developmental needs.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps a child develop movement, strength, balance, and motor skills.
Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy helps a child develop fine motor skills and the abilities needed for daily activities.
Speech-language therapy: Speech-language therapy helps a child develop communication skills and can support feeding and swallowing.
Dietitian (pediatric): A pediatric dietitian helps ensure a child gets the nutrition needed for growth and development.
Individualized Education Program (IEP): An Individualized Education Program is a plan that provides tailored educational support and services for a child with disabilities in school.
504 plan: A 504 plan provides accommodations to support a child with a disability in a general education setting.
Head circumference (occipitofrontal circumference): Head circumference is the measurement around the largest part of a baby's head, used to monitor head and brain growth.
Folic acid supplementation: Folic acid supplementation is taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy to help reduce the risk of some neural tube defects.
Preconception care: Preconception care is health care and planning before pregnancy that supports a healthy pregnancy.
Follow-up (long-term): Long-term follow-up is ongoing monitoring and care after encephalocele repair to support a child's health and development.
Care coordinator (case manager): A care coordinator helps families organize and navigate the many appointments, specialists, and services involved in their child's care.

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What AURORA is building for Encephalocele