What is it?

Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect in which one or more of the fibrous sutures between the bones in the baby’s skull fuse, before the brain finishes growing. Because the baby’s brain continues to grow, the head is given a misshapen appearance. In most of the kids, the sutures between the skull bones remain open and meet in soft spots- the fontanels.Craniosynostosis can be caused by some genetic syndromes such as Apert syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome or Crouzon syndrome. Therefore it is important to look for other abnormalities in the baby’s limbs, ears or heart. In most of the cases, the reason for craniosynostosis is unknown. Craniosynostosis does not usually cause neurological damage or developmental problems if diagnosed and treated early. Treatment is by surgery. There are several types of craniosynostosis, depending on the suture that is fused; Sagittal is the most common type of craniosynostosis and it results in a head shape called scaphocephaly- long and narrow. Coronal suture fusion may cause a flattened forehead, turning nose and raised eye socket. Metopic suture fusion gives the forehead a triangular appearance and the back of the head is widened. Lambdoid synostosis is rare and it may cause one side of the head to look flat, and one ear seems higher than the other.