Cephalocele

Cephalocele is a congenital defect in the development of the neural tube, in which protrusion of brain tissue and meninges occurs through a defect in the bones of the skull.

In a cephalocele, there is a herniation-like protrusion of brain structures such as the meninges and parts of the brain through a defect in the bones of the skull. This results in the formation of a lump or sac containing brain matter that can be seen or felt under the scalp.

A cephalocele usually occurs in the facial or occipital region of the skull. Causes include defects in the formation of the neural tube and cranial bones in the early stages of embryonic development.

Diagnosis is based on brain imaging using CT or MRI. Treatment consists of surgical correction of the defect, returning the protruding tissues to the cranial cavity and closing the bone defect. The prognosis depends on the size and location of the defect, as well as the presence of concomitant brain abnormalities.

**A cephalocele is a defect in the development of the neural tube that results in an abnormal sac of tissue and blood vessels that resembles a baby's head.** This is a rare congenital condition that may be diagnosed in newborns or young children.

Cephalocoels can appear in a variety of ways, but they usually appear round or elongated.