What is Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a condition in which one or more bones of a baby’s skull fuse too early. This early fusion can affect normal skull growth and may lead to an abnormal head shape or increased pressure in the brain.
Causes
Craniosynostosis may occur due to:
- Genetic factors
- Abnormal skull development during pregnancy
- Certain medical syndromes
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Unusual head shape
- Slow or abnormal head growth
- Raised or hard ridge along the skull
- Possible developmental delays in some cases
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose craniosynostosis through physical examination, CT scans, and imaging tests to evaluate skull development and brain growth.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves surgical correction to separate the fused bones and allow normal brain and skull growth. Early treatment helps improve both appearance and brain development.