ENCEPHALOCELEBy: Jahada Gonzales

DEFINITION OF ENCEPHALOCELE

cranium bifidum

An encephalocele is a rare disorder in which the bones of the skull do not close completely, creating a gap through which cerebral spinal fluid, brain tissue and the membrane that covers the brain can protrude into a sac-like formation.

 Classified as a neural tube defect.

CLASSIFICATION OF ENCEPHALOCELE

 nasofrontal - appear at the root of the nose above the level of nasal bone

nasoethmoidal -present with a facial mass

naso-orbital – cause proptosis and displacement of eye ball

Overlap types of encephalocele• Meningocele CSF and the overlaying

membrane

•Encephalomeningocele

protrusion of the brain tissue and meninges through a defect in the skull.

SYMPTOMS OF ENCEPHALOCELE

Buildup of too much fluid in the brain Complete loss of strength in the arms and

legs An unusually small head Uncoordinated movement of the voluntary

muscles, such as those involved in walking and reaching

Developmental delay Vision problems Mental and growth retardation Seizures

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES:

Ultrasound CT Scan MRI

TREATMENT:

Craniotomy Craniofacial reconstruction Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA)

Minimally invasive surgical procedure uses the nose as a natural corridor to reach and remove these lesions. There are no incisions in the face or skull.

NURSING MANAGEMENT

Consist of preoperative and post operativeCare, along with symptomatic and supportive

care. preventing rupture of the sac preventing infection providing adequate nutrition and hydration. monitor for signs and symptoms of

increased ICP and head circumference.