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#1
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04-14-2010, 11:33 AM
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Occipital Encephalocele in a Newborn
Occipital encephalocele is a rare neural tube defect in which brain tissue and its covering membranes protrude through an opening at the back of the skull, forming a sac. Encephaloceles can also occur at the top of the head or between the forehead and nose. Openings at the back are more likely to cause nervous-system problems. Encephalocele occurs in about 1 in every 9,091 US births. The cause is not fully understood, although genes may play a role. Risk factors include low folate in early pregnancy, poorly controlled diabetes, certain medications and overheating or fever. Folic acid before and during early pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects. Surgery returns the protruding tissue and closes the skull, sometimes through several operations. Neurologic problems can persist, including hydrocephalus, paralysis, developmental delay, vision problems and seizures. |
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#10
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04-15-2010, 01:27 AM
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Re: Occipital Encephalocele in a Newborn
No, that's from mom being high as a freakin' kite and not pushing her way through labor. The child's head was trapped in the vault and it literally cut circulation off to that part of the head and brain. Not something I'd pray for it to actually live through!
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