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Otolaryngology (ENT)318 papers

Nasal encephalocele

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Nasal encephalocele refers to the herniation of brain tissue through a defect in the cranial base into the nasal cavity, often presenting with nasal obstruction, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and neurological symptoms. 78

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation includes nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and cranial nerve palsies.
  • Imaging studies such as MRI and CT scans are essential for diagnosis, delineating the extent of herniation and associated anomalies. 78
  • CSF analysis may confirm the presence of CSF leak.
  • Management

  • Surgical Repair: Primary surgical intervention is crucial, often involving multidisciplinary teams including neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Techniques may include craniotomy, endoscopic repair, or combined approaches depending on the defect size and location. 78
  • Preoperative Planning: Utilization of advanced imaging and planning tools, such as specialized apps, can enhance surgical outcomes and patient communication. 4
  • Postoperative Care: Focus on preventing infection and ensuring proper wound healing, with meticulous follow-up to monitor for complications like CSF leaks or neurological deficits. 1
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Early surgical intervention is critical to prevent developmental delays and ensure proper craniofacial growth. 78
  • Elderly: Consideration of comorbid conditions and overall health status is vital in planning surgical approaches to minimize risks. 78
  • Key Recommendations

  • Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach: Employ a team including neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists for optimal management of nasal encephalocele. (Evidence: Expert opinion 78)
  • Advanced Imaging for Diagnosis: Utilize MRI and CT scans for accurate diagnosis and planning of surgical repair. (Evidence: Expert opinion 78)
  • Utilize Technological Aids for Planning: Leverage advanced preoperative planning tools like specialized apps to improve surgical outcomes and patient communication. (Evidence: Moderate 4)
  • References

    1 Shah KM, Tate JA, Srivastava D, Nijhawan RI. Nasal Lining Repair: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] 2024. link 2 Steele PRC, Barnes ML, Ross PD. The impact of Scottish Government protocols on practice in Scotland. The Journal of laryngology and otology 2014. link 3 Smith ME, Leung BC, Sharma R, Nazeer S, McFerran DJ. A randomized controlled trial of nasolaryngoscopy training techniques. The Laryngoscope 2014. link 4 Larrosa F, Dura MJ, Roura J, Hernandez A. Rhinoplasty planning with an iPhone app: analysis of otolaryngologists response. European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2013. link 5 Kanagalingam J, Zainal A, Georgalas C, Paun S, Tolley NS. The disinfection of flexible fibre-optic nasendoscopes out-of-hours: confidential telephone survey of ENT units in England. The Journal of laryngology and otology 2002. link 6 Coakley JF, Arthurs GJ, Wilsher TK. The need for and development of a single use disposable nasal spray. The Journal of laryngology and otology 1993. link 7 Earley MJ, Chantarasak ND. The transverse forked flap in columella reconstruction. British journal of plastic surgery 1989. link90145-8) 8 Field LM. The use of a bipedicled flap for defects on the bridge of the nose. The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology 1980. link 9 Wilson WR, Allansmith MR. Rapid, atraumatic method for obtaining nasal mucus samples. The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology 1976. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Nasal Lining Repair: A Comprehensive Literature Review.Shah KM, Tate JA, Srivastava D, Nijhawan RI Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (2024)
    2. [2]
      The impact of Scottish Government protocols on practice in Scotland.Steele PRC, Barnes ML, Ross PD The Journal of laryngology and otology (2014)
    3. [3]
      A randomized controlled trial of nasolaryngoscopy training techniques.Smith ME, Leung BC, Sharma R, Nazeer S, McFerran DJ The Laryngoscope (2014)
    4. [4]
      Rhinoplasty planning with an iPhone app: analysis of otolaryngologists response.Larrosa F, Dura MJ, Roura J, Hernandez A European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (2013)
    5. [5]
      The disinfection of flexible fibre-optic nasendoscopes out-of-hours: confidential telephone survey of ENT units in England.Kanagalingam J, Zainal A, Georgalas C, Paun S, Tolley NS The Journal of laryngology and otology (2002)
    6. [6]
      The need for and development of a single use disposable nasal spray.Coakley JF, Arthurs GJ, Wilsher TK The Journal of laryngology and otology (1993)
    7. [7]
      The transverse forked flap in columella reconstruction.Earley MJ, Chantarasak ND British journal of plastic surgery (1989)
    8. [8]
      The use of a bipedicled flap for defects on the bridge of the nose.Field LM The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology (1980)
    9. [9]
      Rapid, atraumatic method for obtaining nasal mucus samples.Wilson WR, Allansmith MR The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology (1976)

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