Types of Encephalocele by Location
Spheno-orbital encephalocele
A spheno-orbital encephalocele is a basal encephalocele that extends into the orbit (eye socket) through the sphenoid bone.
In short: Spheno-orbital encephalocele
- It extends into the eye socket.
- It can affect the eye and its position.
- It is a basal type defined by imaging.
- Ophthalmology is often part of evaluation and planning.
What it is
It is a basal encephalocele reaching the orbit by way of the sphenoid bone. Because it involves the eye socket, it can affect the eye and its position.
Understanding Spheno-orbital encephalocele
Since it involves the orbit, it can affect the eye, and ophthalmology is often part of evaluation and planning alongside neurosurgery. The protrusion into the eye socket may change eye position or, in some cases, affect vision, so eye assessment is important. Imaging defines the extent of the lesion and guides the surgical approach.
Why it matters
Understanding that a spheno-orbital encephalocele can affect the eye helps families see why an eye specialist is involved and why repair is planned with eye position and function in mind.
Common questions
Where does it extend?
Into the eye socket.
Can it affect vision or eye position?
It can affect the eye and may involve ophthalmology.
Is it visible externally?
Usually not — it is a basal type.
Bottom line
A spheno-orbital encephalocele extends into the eye socket through the sphenoid bone.
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