CEPHALOCELE Meaning and
Definition
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A cephalocele is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of a portion of the brain or its covering through a defect in the cranial bones. It is a congenital defect often present at birth and occurs when there is an abnormality in the closure of the skull during fetal development.
A cephalocele typically appears as a noticeable bulge or sac on the head, filled with cerebrospinal fluid, brain tissue, or meninges, which are the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. The size and location of the cephalocele can vary, ranging from small and harmless to large and potentially problematic. In some cases, the protrusion may be covered by skin, while in others, it is exposed directly on the scalp.
Cephaloceles are categorized based on their specific location on the head. Anterior cephaloceles occur at the front of the skull, often above the nose, while posterior cephaloceles develop at the back of the skull. There are also more rare cephaloceles that occur near the middle or sides of the skull.
Treatment options for cephaloceles typically involve surgical intervention to remove the protrusion and repair the defect in the cranial bones. The specific procedure and approach depend on the size, location, and severity of the cephalocele, as well as the overall health of the patient. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to prevent complications, such as infection or brain damage, and to optimize the long-term prognosis for individuals with cephaloceles.
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Hernia of the brain, encephalocele.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CEPHALOCELE
- cephalocmle
- cephalocale
- cephalocgle
- cephalocede
- cephalocehe
- cephalocene
- cephaloceme
- cephalocelu
- cephalocelm
- cephalocela
- cephalocelg
- cephalowcele
- c ephalocele
- ceph alocele
- cepha locele
- cephal ocele
- cephalo cele
- cephaloc ele
- cephaloce le
- cephalocel e
Etymology of CEPHALOCELE
The word "cephalocele" is derived from two roots: "cephalo-" and "-cele".
The prefix "cephalo-" comes from the Greek word "kephalē", meaning "head". It is often used in medical terminology to refer to the head or skull.
The suffix "-cele" is also of Greek origin and means "cavity" or "tumor". It is commonly used to describe a hernia or abnormal swelling in various parts of the body.
Therefore, "cephalocele" refers to a medical condition where there is a herniation or abnormal protrusion of the brain or its covering through a defect in the skull.
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