Encephalocele is a neural tube defect characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain and the membranes that cover it through openings in the skull.

Symptoms may include neurologic problems, hydrocephalus (cerebrospinal fluid accumulated in the brain), spastic quadriplegia (paralysis of the limbs), microcephaly (an abnormally small head), ataxia (uncoordinated muscle movement), developmental delay, vision problems, mental and growth retardation, and seizures.

A disturbance in this separation process at the final closure due to the lack of apoptosis is considered to be a critical aspect of nasofrontal and nasoethmoidal encephalocele.

[8] It is recommended that women take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to reduce the likelihood of any type of neural tube defects before and during the first 28 days after conception.

The extent to which it can be corrected depends on the location and size of the encephaloceles; however, large protrusions can be removed without causing major disability.

Surgery repositions the bulging area back into the skull, removes the protrusions, and corrects the deformities, typically relieving pressure that can delay normal brain development.

[citation needed] The goals of treatment include: Recovery is difficult to predict prior to surgery, and depends on the type of brain tissue involved and location of the encephaloceles.

[citation needed] In general, when the bulging material consists of primarily cerebrospinal fluid, a complete recovery can occur.