Craniosynostosis: causes, symptoms, treatment, etc.

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Definition

What is craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that causes an abnormal shape of the baby's head due to abnormalities in the skull.

The skull bone is not a single whole bone that stands alone, but a combination of seven different bony plates.

The seven bones are connected to each other by a network called sutures. The flexible sutures allow the skull bones to expand as the volume of the brain grows.

Over time, the sutures hardened more and more and eventually closed, joining the seven bony plates together into a complete skull.

Babies are said to have craniosynostosis if one or more of the suture tissue closes faster than they should.

As a result, the baby's brain cannot develop optimally because it is hampered by the fused skull bones.

This condition is very dangerous because it can lead to several disorders and disorders. The disproportionate shape of the skull bones can cause prolonged headaches, vision problems, and psychological problems later in life.

Craniosynostosis is a condition of a baby's skull bone disorder that will get worse if it is not treated quickly.

What are the types of craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a condition that can be divided into four types depending on the type of suture involved in the accelerated closure of the skull.

The different types of craosynostosis are as follows:

Sagittal

This is a type craniosynostosis most frequently found. As the name implies, this disorder occurs when the part sagittal suture which stretches from the front to the back of the upper skull (crown area) and closes too early.

This disorder causes the head to grow elongated and slightly flattened.

Coronal

The coronal suture extends from the right and left ear to the top of the skull. Premature closure of this area can cause the forehead to become uneven and wavy.

Metopic

The metopic suture extends from the nose through the midline of the forehead to the crown and is connected to the sagittal suture at the top of the skull.

Early closure of this suture causes the forehead to form a triangle with the back of the head widened.

Lambdoid

Early closure occurs in the lambdoid suture that runs from right to left at the back of the skull.

This causes the baby's head to appear partially flat and the position of one ear higher than the other.

Lambdoid craniosynostosis is an extremely rare type.

How common is this condition?

Craniosynostosis is a rare condition. With proper and fast handling and control, the development of babies with this disorder can still run well.

Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of craniosynostosis?

Symptoms and signs of craniosynostosis usually appear at birth, and become more evident after a few months. These symptoms include:

• The crown on the top of the baby's head is not visible
• The shape of the baby's skull looks odd (disproportionate)
• The appearance of increased pressure inside the baby's skull
• The baby's head does not develop with age

In some cases, craniosynostosis causes disturbance or damage to the brain, as well as inhibits the growth process in general. Here are the symptoms you need to be aware of.

• Vomiting suddenly, without feeling nauseous.
• Hearing disorders. Your doctor will routinely monitor your child's head growth at each visit.
• Swelling or difficulty moving the eye problem.
• More sleep and less play.
• Loud and irregular breathing sounds
• It's easier to cry than usual.

When should I see a doctor?

The doctor will monitor the development of the baby's brain and skull regularly every time he checks.

Immediately consult further with your doctor if you have concerns or separate questions regarding the growth and shape of your little one's head.

Cause

What causes craniosynostosis?

The cause of craniosynostosis is not certain. Even so, sometimes this condition is related to genetic disorders and exposure to chemicals during pregnancy and genetic factors.

Launching from the Mayo Clinic page, the cause of craniosynostosis usually depends on the type, which can be a syndromic or nonsyndromic condition.

Syndromic craniosynostosis

Syndromic craniosynostosis is a condition caused by certain genetic syndromes such as Apert's syndrome, Pfeiffer's syndrome, or Crouzon syndrome.

These various syndromes can affect the development of a baby's skull, other physical bodies, to health problems.

Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis

Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is the most common type, but it is not known what causes it.

However, nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is thought to be a combination of genetic or hereditary factors and environmental factors.

Risk Factors

What increases the risk of developing craniosynostosis?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes several things that can be risk factors for craniosynostosis:

Mother has thyroid disease

Pregnant women who have thyroid disease have a higher chance of giving birth to a baby with craniosynostosis.

In contrast to pregnant women who do not experience thyroid disease, the chances are much smaller.

Medicines that the mother took

Women who took clomiphene citrate (a fertility drug) before or earlier in pregnancy were more likely to have a baby with craniosynostosis.

Meanwhile, pregnant women who do not use these drugs are less likely.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?

Craniosynostosis is a disorder that must be treated by doctors and specialists, such as pediatric neurosurgeons or plastic surgeons.

Some of the tests to diagnose craniosynostosis are as follows:

Physical examination

In this physical examination, the doctor will usually measure the baby's head. The doctor can also feel the entire surface of the head to check the condition of the sutures and crown.

Scan

This examination includes a CT scan, MRI, or X-rays of the head. This test aims to see if any of the suture tissue is closing faster than normal.

Laser scans may also be performed to obtain accurate measurements of the head and skull.

DNA test

If a link with another genetic disorder is suspected, a DNA test can be done to determine the type of genetic disorder that is causing it.

What are the treatment options for craiosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis of mild or moderate severity does not require serious treatment.

The doctor will usually advise your baby to wear a special helmet that functions to tidy up the skull shape and help with brain development.

If the craniosynostosis is severe, surgery must be performed to reduce and prevent pressure on the brain, provide space for the brain to develop, and straighten the shape of the skull.

There are two types of surgery that can be done to treat craniosynostosis, namely:

Endoscopic surgery

This minimally invasive surgery is suitable for infants under six months of age provided only one suture is problematic.

In this operation, the problematic sutures are opened so that the brain can develop normally.

Open surgery

This type of surgery is performed for babies over six months. Not only to treat problematic sutures, but also to improve the disproportionate shape of the skull bones.

The recovery period after open surgery is longer than that of endoscopic surgery. Helmet therapy can be given to straighten the skull after endoscopic surgery, but in open surgery it is not necessary.

Complications

What are the possible complications of craniosynostosis?

Various things that can result if craniosynostosis in infants is not treated promptly are as follows:

• Permanent defects of the head and face
• Decreased child's self-confidence

If the case of craniosynostosis is mild, the risk of damage to the skull tends to be small as long as the suture and head shape are corrected immediately by surgery.

It's just that, babies who have craniosynostosis and are accompanied by certain syndromes can experience increased intracranial pressure.

This condition occurs when the development of the baby's skull is not good enough to make room for its growing brain.

If not treated quickly, increased intracranial pressure in the baby's skull can cause various things, namely:

• Problems with the baby's cognitive development
• Blindness
• Late development
• The body is lethargic and limp
• Eye movement disorders
• Baby's body spasms

Even in rare cases, the condition can be fatal to the baby.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.