Encephalocele

Conveniently located to serve New York City, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island

Correcting encephalocele for New York City patients requires expertise and skill. Encephalocele is a rare birth defect among infants that may go undetected until diagnosed. It manifests as a hyperpigmented irregular mass on the head that must be removed by a board-certified surgeon.

Frontonasoethmoidal Encephalocele

Frontonasoethmoidal encephaloceles are rare herniations of neurologic tissue through the upper face that occur at birth and cause malformations between the eyes. Specifically, this involves the supraorbital, medial canthal, and nasal bones. The skeletal malformation is caused by the ‘pushing’ out of the brain lining and brain-like tissues is analogous to a flower opening up (where the bones are like pedals moving out of anatomic place).

Encephalocele Correction Objectives

  • To rid the central face of the malformation so there is a normal appearance.
  • To reduce the chance of infection (meningitis) spread from the contaminated nasal sinus mucosa.

Ideal Candidates

Children are common candidates for surgical correction of encephalocele, and adults can also undergo correction, especially if it is previously undetected. It is important that you are in good overall health before undergoing the surgery.

Your Consultation

Your consultation for encephalocele surgery with Dr. James P. Bradley starts with a physical evaluation of the protrusion. This will be followed by imaging tests in order to determine the best approach for the surgery.

Dr. Bradley will also look over your medical records and history to ensure that you have no underlying conditions or medications that may get in the way of healing.

Recovery After Encephalocele Surgery

With the innovative HULA technique developed by Dr. Bradley, the recovery time is considerably shorter than traditional surgery. Depending on the age, severity of the condition, and extent of the work done, the patient will be able to recover fully. Babies with encephalocele must be provided with enough nutrition and care to heal properly.

State-of-the-Art Techniques

  • Dr. Bradley devised the HULA procedure from cases he performed in Hawaii. This is aimed at obtaining the best functional and cosmetic result.
  • Both intra and extracranial approaches are used to safely gain a full correction.
  • The abnormal neurologic tissues are removed, brain is safely sealed off, and orbital/canthal/nasal bones are placed or grafted into normal locations.

FAQ

Do all encephaloceles need the same type of surgery?

No, there are variations in types of encephaloceles based on location and severity. Dr. Bradley has designed procedures for each of these variations.

How many surgical procedures will it take?

It may only take one procedure to correct the encephalocele if performed at the optimal time between ages 3 and 12 years. However, small revision procedures are sometimes necessary.

Contact Us

Seek surgical treatment for encephalocele in New York City to address this congenital defect. Contact Dr. Bradley today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the HULA procedure.

Your Encephalocele procedure will be performed in James P Bradley, MD's surgery center located in New York.
Read Our Patient Stories

TESTIMONIALS

“Great doctor did an amazing job

Nicole C.

“Outstanding surgeon with wonderful bedside manner, would highly recommend him.

Marc O.

“Dr Bradley did an amazing job for me.

Tama S.