SYNOPSISThe term cranium bifidum includes the encephaloceles and the cranial meningoceles. Though rarer than spina bifida, these conditions are not uncommon, and their management can be difficult. A series of 14 patients is presented to illustrate the problems, and to show that treatment can produce good results where there are no crippling associated cerebral dysplasias. The value of contrast radiological investigations to demonstrate these dysplasias is emphasized. Some interesting and unexplained variations in the geographical incidence of this condition are discussed.