Fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele in a historical skull with artificial deformation and no signs of chronic elevated intracranial pressure.
The intentional deformation of human skulls in the living being was one of the most curious rituals performed in historical and ancient times. It is thought that these practices cause chronic elevated intracranial pressure and subsequent symptoms of cognitive impairment. In this report, we examine such an artificially deformed skull dating from the sixteenth century that in addition shows a fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele. However, although the mild encephalocele was already manifest at birth and deformation practices were performed over years, the encephalocele did not progress into a more severe status. We conclude that the intentional deformation of skulls does not lead to chronic elevated intracranial pressure and mental retardation.
Weber
Jochen
J
Department of Neurosurgery, Trauma Center Berlin, Warener Strasse 9, 12683 Berlin, Germany. palaeoweber@gmx.de
Nauck
Christoph
C
Creutz
Ulrich
U
Al-Zain
Ferras
F
Pusch
Carsten M
CM
D001106:Archaeology; D001118:Argentina; D046289:Body Modification, Non-Therapeutic / Q000266:history; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history / Q000473:pathology; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history / Q000473:pathology; D004677:Encephalocele / Q000150:complications / Q000196:embryology* / Q000266:history; D005004:Ethmoid Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D049669:History, 16th Century; D006801:Humans; D007199:Indians, South American; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012886:Skull / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000293:injuries; D012919:Social Behavior