Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Encephalocele
CRANIUM BIFIDUM
Encephalocele is a birth defect where the skull doesn't form properly, leaving a hole through which brain membranes can protrude
About
Sometimes, a baby's skull doesn't develop properly before birth. When this happens, it can leave a gap in the skull, which allows a portion of the brain to stick out as a skin-covered sac. This condition is called encephalocele. It can happen anywhere on the skull though it usually affects the back of it or the inside of the nose at the skull base.
Need to know
There are different types of encephalocele protrusion. If just the brain covering is sticking out, it's called a meningocele. If brain tissue and the covering are sticking out, it's called an encephalomeningocele. In both cases, the protrusion is covered by skin or a thin membrane, and will look like a small sac. Many children with a encephalocele will experience no symptoms at all. Others may have varying symptoms, including hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain). Some children may show signs of developmental delay. This is when a child younger than school age takes longer to reach certain physical, emotional, learning and social milestones.
If encephalocele is large enough it'll often be picked up on during a prenatal ultrasound scan. Otherwise, encephalocele presents as a sac on your baby's head, so it'll often be noticeable at birth. However, your HCA UK GP or consultant may recommend a CT or MRI scan to confirm a diagnosis.
Babies with encephalocele will often require surgery to preposition the protruding brain tissue and/or covering. The gap in the skull will also be repaired during this procedure. Exactly when the surgery will happen will depend on the size and nature of the encephalocele itself. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.