Craniosynostosis is a condition where the bones of a baby’s skull join together too early. In a typical infant skull, the bones are joined together by softer pieces of cartilage. Up until 2 years of age, the head and the brain grow together, with the soft cartilage connecting the bones of the skull allowing for head and brain growth. However, the head becomes misshapen when the skull bones fuse too early.
In craniosynostosis, the bones will fuse together in one area of the skull, but the rest of the bones will remain normal. Growth of the head stops in the area where the bones have fused together, while growth continues where bones have not fused together. This leads to an abnormally shaped skull. It can also lead to the brain not having enough room in the skull.
There are five types of craniosynostosis:
The type of craniosynostosis can affect the severity of the condition.
Symptoms of craniosynostosis include:
The symptoms of craniosynostosis often resemble other developmental conditions. Working with your child’s doctor to confirm a diagnosis is important.
Craniosynostosis is caused by the early fusion of certain bones in the skull. It’s a secondary effect of genetic syndromes. It’s believed to be caused by a combination of genetic mutations and what the mother is exposed to during pregnancy.
There are no known risk factors for craniosynostosis, although a fertility medication called clomiphene citrate and maternal thyroid disease are being studied as potential risk factors.
Typically, craniosynostosis is diagnosed right after birth, although it can be diagnosed a little later in life. Diagnosis is prompted when an abnormally shaped skull, lack of soft spots, or slow to no growth is observed in a newborn.
A doctor will diagnose craniosynostosis using a physical examination and imaging tests of the head, like an X-ray or computerised tomography (CT) scan.
The only known complication of craniosynostosis is developmental delay.
Treatment of craniosynostosis varies widely based on the individual. Treatment may include close monitoring, wearing a helmet at a young age to shape the skull or surgery. Many babies with craniosynostosis end up needing surgery to reshape the skull and relieve pressure on the brain.
Some children with craniosynostosis have developmental delays, either due to prolonged pressure on the brain or the presence of an underlying genetic condition. Parents of a child with craniosynostosis and the doctor will come up with a treatment plan for the child based on his or her current needs and their goals for the child.
Regularly seeing a doctor to ensure proper brain development is crucial for children with craniosynostosis. Other resources that may help children and their parents include early intervention for children with developmental delays, support groups for parents with newborns who have craniosynostosis, and eventually, support groups for children who were born with craniosynostosis.