Types of Encephalocele by Location
Naso-orbital encephalocele
A naso-orbital encephalocele is a frontoethmoidal subtype that extends toward the eye socket (orbit) and can affect eye position.
In short: Naso-orbital encephalocele
- It extends toward the orbit.
- It can contribute to widely spaced eyes (hypertelorism).
- It is an anterior, sincipital subtype.
- Ophthalmology is often involved when the orbit is affected.
What it is
It is a frontoethmoidal encephalocele reaching toward the eye socket. Because it involves the orbit, it can change eye position and spacing more directly than the other subtypes.
Understanding Naso-orbital encephalocele
Since it involves the orbit, repair and craniofacial reconstruction take eye position and spacing into account, balancing function and appearance. Ophthalmology is often part of evaluation and planning, because the eye itself may be affected. As with other anterior types, the facial skeleton remodels with growth, so appearance evolves and reconstruction may be staged.
Why it matters
Understanding that a naso-orbital encephalocele can affect the eye helps families see why an eye specialist may join the team and why repair carefully considers eye position alongside closure.
Common questions
Where does it extend?
Toward the eye socket (orbit).
Can it affect the eyes?
Yes — it can affect eye position and spacing.
Who else may be involved?
Ophthalmology, when the orbit or eye is affected.
Bottom line
A naso-orbital encephalocele extends toward the eye socket and can affect eye position.
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