How Occipital Encephalocele Can Affect Speech and Language Development
Encephalocele is a rare birth defect that is typically formed when the neural tube (an early form of the brain and spinal cord) does not fully close during the initial stages of pregnancy. A baby with encephalocele will have a gap in their skull that isn’t closed, causing a mass of brain tissue, looking similar to a balloon bulging out of their head.
Babies with an encephalocele often have chromosome, brain, and facial differences as well. The impact that the encephalocele will have on a baby’s life varies depending on the type.
Meningocele typically does not cause any significant problems as the bulge is made up of spinal fluid. Meningoencephalocele is the more serious of the two types. The bulge is made up of both abnormal brain tissue and spinal fluid. This condition can cause long-term neurological problems.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Encephalocele?
Signs and symptoms of encephalocele vary depending on the size and location as well as how much brain tissue is outside of the brain at birth. While many cases are discovered before the baby is born, sometimes they are not noticed until after birth, when the defects are more noticeable. Rarely, the condition is discovered later in childhood once the child starts to show signs of mental or physical delays.
Signs of encephalocele may include:
- Hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain)
- Visible balloon-like mass on the head
- Small head
- Headaches
- Problems with breathing and swallowing
- Loss of strength in the arms and legs
- Delays in growth and development (both physical and mental)
- Heart rate abnormalities
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness
- Facial malformations
- Nasal obstructions
- Spinal fluid leaking from the nose or ear
How is Encephalocele Diagnosed?
Encephalocele is typically found during a prenatal ultrasound. If the doctor suspects this rare defect, they may order more tests, such as a fetal MRI or fetal echocardiogram, to help develop a plan for when the baby is born. As some congenital conditions are caused by genetic makeup as well as changes in DNA, the doctor may also suggest genetic testing before and after the baby is born to learn more about their DNA.
Encephalocele Locations
Encephalocele may be anterior (front of the skull) or posterior (back of the skull), and the type is further classified based on its location
- Occipital: lower back of head
- Parietal: top, nearest to the back of the head
- Frontoethmoidal (also known as sincipital): near the forehead
- Sphenoidal: Front-middle, between the nose and forehead
What is Occipital Encephalocele
Occipital encephalocele occurs on the lower back of the head. This is the most common type of encephalocele among babies in the United States and happens most commonly in girls. The incidence of this rare disorder is between 1 in 3000 to 1 in 10,000 live births.
How do you Treat Occipital Encephalocele?
The treatment of occipital encephalocele will involve a mix of medical professionals, including surgeons, pediatricians, and rehabilitation specialists. The severity of the condition will determine the treatment plan.
Many people with occipital encephalocele require surgery in their early days of life. Depending on the type of encephalocele, the surgery will focus on changing the position of the brain tissue and repairing the skull.
Individuals with occipital encephalocele may develop hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain. This is due to the impaired flow and absorption of the CSF. The treatment plan for hydrocephalus often includes placing a shunt or other drainage system to alleviate the pressure on the brain by diverting this extra fluid.
Occipital encephalocele can affect cognitive development and lead to developmental delays. Children with this rare condition often require various ongoing therapies, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech therapy
Someone with encephalocele will likely require ongoing medical follow-ups. These will help their doctors stay on top of their symptoms and adjust their treatment as needed.
Occipital Encephalocele and Speech
People with occipital encephalocele often have cognitive and developmental delays. These delays can also affect speech. Speech therapy is a recommended method of treatment in these cases. The treatment plan is determined after thoroughly evaluating the individual's speech, language, and communication skills.
Early intervention for children with speech and language delays is important. At Great Speech, we offer virtual speech therapy. Your child can be in their own environment where they will be comfortable, and parent involvement is easy!
Schedule your free introductory call today!