Craniosynostosis is a condition in which a baby’s skull develops abnormally due to the premature closure of the cranial sutures. This early closure can change the shape of the baby’s head and face and lead to symptoms such as a long, narrow head or bulging eyes.
Normally, cranial sutures remain open during early childhood to allow the skull to expand as the brain grows. When these sutures close too soon, the skull cannot grow normally, which may interfere with healthy brain development.
The severity of craniosynostosis varies depending on which sutures are affected and how many close prematurely. In more severe cases, the condition can increase pressure inside the skull and affect a child’s neurological development.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of craniosynostosis include:
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Long and narrow, flattened and wide, crooked, or triangular-shaped head.
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Flat or flattened forehead;.
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Nose slightly deviated toward the unaffected side.
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Eyes slightly farther apart from each other.
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Eye sockets that are shallower than normal, making the eyes appear to protrude outward;.
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Reduced space between the nose and the mouth.
These symptoms vary depending on the type of suture affected and the number of cranial sutures that close prematurely.
In addition, depending on the underlying cause, other symptoms may occur, such as vision loss on the affected side, hearing loss, breathing problems, or intellectual disability.
When craniosynostosis affects several skull sutures, it may lead to increased intracranial pressure and symptoms such as persistent headaches, excessive sleepiness, or learning difficulties.
Confirming a diagnosis
A pediatrician diagnoses craniosynostosis by evaluating the baby’s symptoms, performing a physical examination, and reviewing imaging tests such as a skull X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
According to the CDC, a CT scan can help confirm craniosynostosis by showing details of the skull and brain.
Another test that may be recommended is cranial ultrasound. This exam can help diagnose craniosynostosis and allows doctors to visualize and monitor the cranial sutures over time.
Possible causes
Craniosynostosis occurs when a baby’s cranial sutures close earlier than they should. These sutures normally help the baby’s head pass through the birth canal and allow the skull to expand as the brain grows.
The exact cause of craniosynostosis is not fully understood. However, certain factors may increase the risk, including genetic mutations or syndromes that affect skull development, such as Crouzon syndrome, Apert syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, Muenke syndrome, or Kleeblattschädel syndrome.
Treatment options
Treatment for craniosynostosis should be guided by a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist and usually involves surgery to separate the fused skull sutures.
This surgery is typically recommended between 6 and 12 months of age, especially when the baby does not have elevated intracranial pressure or breathing problems. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, surgery can help relieve pressure on the brain and nerves and reshape the skull.
Depending on the severity of the condition, one, two, or three surgeries may be needed before the end of adolescence. In most cases, the cosmetic results after surgery are satisfactory.