Craniosynostosis is a rare condition that occurs when a child is born with the bones of their skull fused together. The skull is made up of many bones that fit together, and babies are normally born with space between some of these bones to allow for skull growth. The place where the bones eventually grow together and fuse is called a suture. Babies whose sutures fuse too early typically have an abnormally-shaped skull. Our physicians at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health are the most experienced surgeons in the Midwest in providing the necessary and complex treatments for craniosynostosis, allowing children to live long, healthy lives.
Craniosynostosis occurs when one or more sutures in a baby’s skull close earlier than normal. The borders of the bones in the skull intersect at sutures, which normally close by the time a child is two or three years old. When a child is born with the sutures already fused together, or when the sutures begin to close early, a child will experience restricted skull growth and have an abnormally shaped head.
Craniosynostosis is a rare birth condition and the cause is unknown in the majority of cases. However, in some cases, a form of craniosynostosis is inherited, as part of a genetic disorder. Genetic disorders commonly linked to craniosynostosis include Crouzon, Apert, Carpenter, Chotzen, and Pfeiffer syndromes.
You may suspect your child has craniosynostosis if you notice the following symptoms:
What are the different types of Craniosynostosis?
How is Craniosynostosis diagnosed?
If Craniosynostosis is diagnosed, reconstructive surgery is usually recommended. The surgery is typically performed before the baby reaches one year old. Our team of pediatric neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons and dedicated pediatric anesthesiologists take the utmost care during the surgery to separate the bones that have fused together. Surgery relieves the pressure of the skull on the child’s brain and ensures there is enough room in the skull for the child’s brain to grow properly. Surgery also allows the bones to grow in a more normal shape.
Our physicians have extensive experience treating craniosynostosis and other rare cranio-facial disorders. We treat more patients with this disorder than any other hospital in the Midwest, giving us the knowledge to provide the best care. Nationally recognized in the field, we are the only center in Indiana offering treatment using only pediatric neurosurgeons and pediatric-trained anesthesiologists, meaning your child is in the safest hands possible.
If left untreated, craniosynostosis will result in increased intracranial (inside the head) pressure and severe, permanent head deformity, developmental delay and possibly even seizures. These serious side effects are why it is very important to talk to your child’s doctor and seek surgical treatment for your baby as soon as possible.
April 15th, 2013 | The Heads Up!!! Foundation recently donated $3,000 to the Cleft and Craniofacial Program at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. The gift will pay for the purchase of the “Craniofacial Family Notebook” which is given to parents of newborns at their first clinic visit. The notebook contains valuable educational information about… Continue Reading
February 24th, 2013 | The sweet taste of maple syrup will be flowing at the National Maple Syrup Festival on the first two weekends in March, and all the proceeds from the festival – going to The Heads Up!!! Foundation – will literally help put a sweet smile on the face of hundreds of children born with cleft palates and other facial anomalies. "Each year this… Continue Reading
January 23rd, 2013 | As any experienced parent knows, every developmental stage brings not only new skills that delight, but often difficult behaviors that challenge. The first time that most parents realize this fact is when their sweet baby becomes a “terrible” toddler. Below is a summary of some of the typical, but difficult behaviors that appear in this… Continue Reading
