Skip to main content
encephalocele

encephalocele

1 9.9
A condition present at birth in which part of the brain sticks out through a hole in the skull
  • noun
  • /ˌɛn.səˈfæl.əˌsiːl/
  • Specialized
: encefalocele
  • The surgeon explained that an encephalocele occurs when brain tissue protrudes through an opening in the skull.
  • intrasphenoidal encephalocele
  • lateral encephalocele

Examples

  • If a significant defect in the tegmen is not reconstructed, an encephalocele (herniation of brain tissue) might occur.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Only three cases of bilateral lateral-recess intrasphenoidal encephaloceles have been reported in the literature.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Intrasphenoidal encephalocele is a rare entity.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The clinical presentation of intrasphenoidal encephalocele varies.

    Academic text (2004)
  • MRI was able to provide three-dimensional images of the encephalocele that were useful for both diagnosis and surgical planning.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The development of encephaloceles of the skull base can be congenital, spontaneous, or a result of trauma.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Most intrasphenoidal encephaloceles are believed to arise in the central aspect of the sinus.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Lateral intrasphenoidal encephaloceles are rare anomalies.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Intrasphenoidal encephaloceles extend into the sphenoid sinus and are confined by its floor.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Over time, the effects of gravity may thin the dura of the encephalocele and lead to CSF leak, meningitis, and seizures.

    Academic text (2004)

Synonyms

meningoencephalocele
vsencephalocele
  • Specialized
9.9

A birth defect where brain tissue and its coverings push out through the skull

mentions protruding brain tissue without explicitly including the membranes

Surface Forms

encephalocele singular

Morphology

encephalocele = encephalon (opaque) = encephalo + cele

The elements are specialized Greek combining forms ('encephalo-' and '-cele') and the meaning is a technical medical term not inferable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Encephalocele comes from Greek parts: encephalo- meaning 'brain' and -cele meaning 'a swelling' or 'hernia'. So it names a condition where part of the brain pushes out through an opening in the skull, which makes it easy to remember as a 'brain hernia'.