Main Page

• Neuroanatomy
• Neurophysiology

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• Neuro-Oncology
• Neuro-ICU

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• Pediatrics

KEY CONCEPTS

• Cranial dysraphisms range in severity from minimally symptomatic dermal sinus tracts to large encephaloceles.
• The overall incidence of encephaloceles is declining, possibly due to dietary folate supplementation.
• Encephaloceles can occur in various sites and exhibit variation in size, shape, and contents.
• Prenatal diagnosis of encephaloceles is common, typically confirmed by elevated α-fetoprotein levels and ultrasound.
• Surgical repair of extreme herniation may not provide significant benefits and requires counseling and consultation.
• Surgical treatment aims to reduce herniation, preserve viable brain, and reconstruct craniofacial defects.
• Prognosis varies based on factors specific to the location and anatomy of the encephalocele.
• Cranial meningoceles can occur in diverse locations, and complete excision with primary dural closure leads to a good prognosis.
• Dermal sinus tracts present as cutaneous dimples and are often associated with a cyst. Total en bloc resection is the management goal.
• Complete resections of dermal sinus tracts have a favorable prognosis and low recurrence rates.