Types of Encephalocele by Location
Infratentorial
Infratentorial means located below the tentorium, in the region of the cerebellum and brainstem.
In short: Infratentorial
- It describes the lower (posterior) compartment of the brain.
- Some posterior encephaloceles involve infratentorial structures.
- It contrasts with "supratentorial."
- It corresponds to the posterior fossa.
What it is
It is a location term for the region below the tentorium — the posterior fossa, containing the cerebellum and brainstem. It describes where a lesion sits relative to the tentorium.
Understanding Infratentorial
Posterior encephaloceles may involve infratentorial structures like the cerebellum, which is relevant to surgical planning and to associated conditions such as Chiari malformation. Because the cerebellum and brainstem occupy this compartment, describing a finding as infratentorial signals that these important structures may be involved. The term is used alongside "supratentorial" to locate findings precisely.
Why it matters
Understanding "infratentorial" helps families recognize when imaging or the team is describing involvement of the cerebellum and brainstem region — structures particularly relevant to posterior encephaloceles.
Common questions
What is in the infratentorial region?
The cerebellum and brainstem.
Is it related to posterior encephaloceles?
Some involve infratentorial structures.
What is the opposite?
Supratentorial — above the tentorium.
Bottom line
Infratentorial means below the tentorium, where the cerebellum and brainstem sit.
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