Craniosynostosis is a condition where infants are born with an abnormally shaped skull. However, in some cases, a baby may develop craniosynostosis later on. The condition is caused by problems that occur during the development of the skull.
How the skull develops
The skull does not develop as a single section of bone but is made up of five plates of bone. In between each plate there is an opening which is known as a suture. The sutures are designed to give the bone plates flexibility, so that the skull is able to grow along with the brain.
Once the brain and the skull have reached their full, adult size, the sutures fuse together to create a single structure of bone.
In cases of craniosynostosis, one of the sutures fuses before birth, or shortly after. This means that the skull cannot grow in this area, which can lead to overgrowth in another area. This results in an abnormally shaped skull.
How common is craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a rare type of birth defect that affects an estimated one in every 2,500-3,000 births. Boys are three times more likely to develop craniosynostosis than girls.
Craniosynostosis often develops alone without any other problems. However, in 4.5% of cases, craniosynostosis develops as part of a collection of birth defects known as a syndrome, such as Apert's syndrome or Crouzon's syndrome (both of which are rare genetic conditions).
In most cases of craniosynostosis, the cause is unknown, but researchers believe that it is a genetic condition.
Prognosis
Craniosynostosis does not present an immediate threat or risk to an infant’s health. However, the condition needs to be treated promptly because the resulting abnormal skull development means that if it is not treated, there will not be enough room for the brain to develop as the infant gets older.
If craniosynostosis is left untreated, the bones will begin to squeeze the brain, increasing the pressure on it. This is known as intercranial pressure (ICP). Over time, ICP can cause brain damage.
Surgery is required to treat craniosynostosis. It is usually carried out when an infant is between three to six months of age. Surgery is used to separate the fused bones and ensure that the skull develops normally. It also ensures that the child grows up to have a normal looking face and head.
Sutures 1.
A suture is a seam-like join between the bones in the skull.
Sutures 2.
A suture is a stitch used to hold together a wound or cut.
Brain
The brain controls thought, memory and emotion. It sends messages to the body controlling movement, speech and senses.
Deformed
Deformity is used to describe a part of the body that is not the usual shape. This could develop during pregnancy or as a result of a condition or injury.
Continue to next section: Symptoms of craniosynostosis