Congenital Abnormalities of CNS
Abnormalities in the development of the neural tube result congenital anomalies of the central nervous system, which can range from mild to extensive anomalies and involve any part of nervous system. In this chapter, common neurosurgical congenital anomalies are discussed. In the early part of this chapter, cranial anomalies are summarized, including congenital hydrocephalus, cerebral aqueductal stenosis, craniosynostosis, and encephalocele. Common spinal defects like meningocele, myelomeningocele, lipomyelocele, and tethered cord syndrome are discussed in the middle of this chapter. Craniospinal anomalies, especially Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, are very important in clinical practice. Finally, arachnoid cysts are discussed briefly.
