Encephalocele (en·ceph·a·lo·cele) in children happens when a part of the brain protrudes through an opening in the skull.
Overview
What is encephalocele in children?
Encephalocele is a congenital (present at birth) craniofacial defect that happens when a part of a child’s brain protrudes through an opening in the skull. The opening can happen anywhere on the skull, including the face.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of encephalocele in children?
The main symptom of an encephalocele is a visual portion of the brain and membrane seen in a sac protruding from the skull.
Causes
What are the causes of encephalocele in children?
Encephalocele happens early in pregnancy, when the neural tube (the space that connects the brain and spinal cord) does not close. This allows for part of the brain, and the membrane that covers the brain, to herniate (protrude) through the opening.
