Core Terms & Classification
Cranial neural tube defect
A cranial neural tube defect is a neural tube defect affecting the skull and brain rather than the spine.
In short: Cranial neural tube defect
- Encephalocele and anencephaly are cranial NTDs.
- Spina bifida is the spinal counterpart.
- The "cranial" label points to the head end of the neural tube.
- The head end (anterior neuropore) normally closes first in development.
What it is
It is the subgroup of neural tube defects involving the brain and cranium. The term distinguishes head-end conditions like encephalocele from spinal conditions like spina bifida.
Understanding Cranial neural tube defect
The head end of the neural tube is normally the first region to finish closing; problems there are linked to cranial NTDs like encephalocele and anencephaly. This contrasts with tail-end (posterior) closure problems that produce spinal defects. Grouping conditions this way helps clinicians and families understand how location of the closure failure maps to the type of defect.
Why it matters
Understanding the cranial-versus-spinal distinction clarifies why encephalocele affects the skull and brain and why it is sometimes mentioned alongside anencephaly. It also frames why imaging of the brain — not the spine — is central to evaluation.
Common questions
How is a cranial NTD different from spina bifida?
It involves the skull and brain instead of the spine.
Is encephalocele cranial or spinal?
Cranial.
Why does the location matter?
Because the type of defect depends on where the neural tube fails to close.
Bottom line
Cranial neural tube defects affect the brain and skull, with encephalocele being a leading example.
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