Craniostenosis

The skull of a newborn baby is made up of numerous separate bones that come together to form a solid structure. Sutures are the normal separations between the skull bones of a baby. Because of the sutures, the baby’s skull may expand to make room for its developing brain. Craniostenosis is a disorder in which the skull bones either fuse together prematurely or at birth.

Causes

There is generally no clear explanation for what triggers Craniostenosis, however it has been linked to genetic diseases and is sometimes passed down from generation to generation. One in 2,000 live births is affected, and males are somewhat more likely to be affected than females.

Symptoms

  • An uneven skull
  • The fontanel (soft area) on the baby’s head that is misaligned or absent
  • A prematurely closed suture that has an elevated, hard edge along it
  • Unusual head growth in the infant
  • Headaches
  • Large or small eye sockets
  • Having trouble learning
  • Vision loss

Diagnosis

  • CT
  • X-rays
  • Physical exam

Treatment

The symptoms and severity of a child’s craniostenosis will determine the course of treatment. Potential methods of treatment include:

  • Surgery
  • Helmet Therapy