Extracrâniennes

Extracrâniennes is a term used in medicine to describe conditions, structures, or processes that are located outside of the skull. This contrasts with intracrâniennes, which refers to anything within the cranial cavity. For example, extracrâniennes infections are infections that affect tissues outside the skull, such as the skin, sinuses, or meninges when the infection originates externally and does not involve the brain directly.

When discussing tumors, extracrâniennes tumors are those that arise from tissues outside the brain and its protective coverings, but still within the head and neck region. Examples include tumors of the salivary glands, thyroid, or paranasoid sinuses. The treatment and prognosis for extracrâniennes conditions can vary greatly depending on the specific location and nature of the ailment.

In neurosurgery, the term can also refer to surgical approaches that access the brain by going around or through structures outside the cranial vault, rather than directly opening the skull. This might involve working through the nasal passages or other facial structures. Understanding the distinction between extracrâniennes and intracrâniennes is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and communication among medical professionals. The term emphasizes the location relative to the bony protection of the brain.