Encephalocele is a rare disorder where the skull bones do not fully close, creating an opening. Brain tissue, fluid, and membranes protrude out in a sac. It is usually diagnosed prenatally at 8 weeks and is visible on the head. Surgery is required to close the opening and prevent complications like hydrocephalus. After surgery, patients require monitoring and rehabilitation as they may experience issues like developmental delays, seizures, or paralysis.

1. ENCEPHALOCELE
By: Abida Miah
And
Maria Hernandez

2. WHAT IS IT?
 It is a rare disorder in which the bones of the skull do not close
completely, creating a gap. Cerebral fluid, brain tissues, and the
membrane that covers the brain forms into a sac on the head.
 It is usually diagnosed as an embryo, about 8 weeks after
conception.

3. HOW DO YOU KNOW?
 It is very visible and obvious
 Located in either the front of the head or behind
 It affects a child even before it is born
 Because its found on the head it is hard for mothers to deliver
through birth canal so they must have a c-section

4. PREVENTABLE?
 This sort of disease is not preventable
 No one why it occurs it just does
 It can be treated by surgery
 If you chose not to get surgery, you don’t have a high chance of
survivng
 It is better to have in the front then the back because you have a
better chance of surviving

5. PREPARING FOR SURGERY
 Meningitis is a post-operative concern and antibiotics will be given
before and after surgery
 Hydrocephalus and shunting will typically be necessary to prevent
built up of cerebral spinal fluid

6. AFFECTS OF SURGERY
 If a person does get surgery there is a chance of:
• Mental deficit
• Blind
• abnormal accumulation of fluid in brain
• Paralysis of arms and legs
• Smaller than average head size
• Uncoordinated voluntary movements
• Developmental delays
• seizures

7. AFTER SURGERY
 Able to go home when:
• Fully recovered from surgery
• Can take enough food to maintain and gain weight
• Breathing must be stable
 Pediatric rehabilitation
 Children will need frequent assessments