Hemicephaly
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Hemicephaly is a congenital malformation characterized by the underdevelopment of the skull and brain, leaving only rudimentary structures such as the corpora quadrigemina, cerebellum, and pons. Fetuses with this condition are typically non-viable, and mild forms can serve as the basis for cerebral hernias.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
HEMICEPHALY, HEMIENCEPHALY (from the Greek hemi- meaning half and kephalos meaning skull, or en-kephalos meaning brain), a monstrosity consisting in the insufficient development of the skull and brain; the brain is usually represented only by rudiments of the corpora quadrigemina, cerebellum, and pons Varolii, and the skull by its base and parts of the occipital bone. The main mass of the brain and the bones of the cranial vault is absent. Mild degrees of hemicephaly underlie the formation of cerebral hernias (see). Fetuses with these malformations are usually non-viable (see also Acrania and Anencephaly).
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“Hemicephaly.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hemicephaly/