What Is Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a rare birth defect that affects the bones in the skull. This happens to be a condition wherein the bones in the skull fuse together prematurely. This can cause the head to take on an abnormal shape, and can also lead to intellectual disability and other health problems. The skull bones are joined together at the sutures and in babies with craniosynostosis, one or more of the sutures fuse together too early. This can cause the skull to grow abnormally, and can lead to developmental problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Craniosynostosis?
Most babies are born with soft spots on their skulls. These spots, called fontanels, allow the head to compress during childbirth and then expand as the brain grows. In babies with craniosynostosis, the fontanels close too early. This can cause the head to grow in an abnormal shape. Craniosynostosis can also cause problems with brain development. When the bones of the skull fuse together too early, they can prevent the brain from growing properly! This can lead to cognitive problems and developmental delays. Some visible symptoms of Craniosynostosis may include an abnormal head shape, irritability, sleep problems, and feeding difficulties. Some of the more common symptoms include an unusually shaped head, delays in milestones such as sitting up or crawling, and problems with vision or hearing.
What Are the Causes of Craniosynostosis?
The exact cause of craniosynostosis is not always known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What Are the Types of Craniosynostosis?
There are several types of craniosynostosis, each with its own set of symptoms.
Sagittal Craniosynostosis: The most common type is sagittal craniosynostosis. This type affects the suture that runs down the center of the head. Babies with sagittal craniosynostosis have heads that are long and narrow. They may also have problems with their eyes, such as crossed eyes or decreased vision.
Coronal Craniosynostosis: Another type of craniosynostosis is coronal craniosynostosis. This type affects the sutures that run across the top of the head. Babies with coronal craniosynostosis have heads that are short and wide. They may also have problems with their ears, such as hearing loss or deformities.
How to Diagnose Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is usually diagnosed with a physical examination. Your doctor will look at your child’s head shape and size. Diagnosis is also confirmed on the basis of some imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scan.
How to Treat Craniosynostosis?
Treatment typically involves surgery to correct the abnormal skull shape and to release the fused sutures.
Contact 1Health for Craniosynostosis
If you suspect your child has craniosynostosis, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. There is no way to prevent the condition, but with early diagnosis and right treatment, most children with craniosynostosis go on to lead healthy, happy lives. You can come 1Health for the same; they will give you the best possible outcome!