Craniosynostosis is a birth defect which is characterised by the premature closure of fibrous joints between the bones of the skull before the growth of the brain is complete. The closing of the soft spots in the skull causes pressure in the skull and lead to abnormal shaped head. Besides the abnormal shaped head, the mental development is also affected by this disorder. The premature closing of suture decreases the space for a baby’s brain to grow.
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Causes
The cause of craniosynostosis is still not known. However, it is believed that gene may play a role. But usually there is no family history of the condition. It is often inherited with other health problems like seizures, decreased intelligence and blindness.
Some common genetic disorders which are commonly linked to craniosynostosis include crouzon, apert, carepenter, chotezen and Pfeiffer syndromes. However, in most cases of craniosynostosis, children are otherwise healthy and have normal intelligence.
Symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms of craniosynostosis may include
Absence of fontanelle
A raised hard ridge along the affected sutures
Abnormal shape of the head
slow or no increase in the head size over time as the baby grows
Types of craniosynostosis
Sagittal synostosis
It is the most common type of craniosynostosis and affects the main suture of the head. The premature closing forces head to grow long and narrow. Babies born with this type of craniosynostosis have a broad forehead. It is more common in boys than girls.
Frontal plagiocephaly
It is the second most common type of craniosynostosis. It affects the suture that runs from ear to ear and is more common in girls.
Metopic synotosis
It is a rare form of craniosynostosis which affects the suture of the forhead. It may range from mild to severe.
Treatment
Treatment for craniosynostosis usually requires surgery. Surgery is done while the baby is still an infant to relieve brain from any kind of pressure and to make sure that is enough space for brain to grow properly. It also aims to improve the appearance of the head.
Prognosis
Prognosis usually depends on over health of the child and number of sutures involved in craniosynostosis. The prognosis is good for those who have only single suture involved and have no associated normalities.
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