Surgery and plastic Is craniosynostosis serious?
Craniosynostosis can occur by itself or as a part of certain craniofacial (head and facial) syndromes. If left untreated, craniosynostosis can lead to serious complications, including: Head deformity, possibly severe and permanent. Increased pressure on the brain.
How long is recovery after craniosynostosis surgery?
Following open cranial vault remodeling, the segments of the skull are held together with plates and screws that will dissolve after 8-12 months. The bones will be healed 6 weeks after surgery but trauma to the head should be avoided.
Is craniosynostosis surgery necessary?
Craniosynostosis is often diagnosed in very young infants, and doctors may recommend surgery. It’s natural to feel anxiety about surgery for a small baby, however, surgery for craniosynostosis is highly successful.
What is the treatment for craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is treated by surgery that opens the fused sutures creating space for brain growth. A variety of surgical procedures may be used.
At what age is craniosynostosis diagnosed?
The management of craniofacial syndromes includes correction of craniosynostosis between three and six months of age, and correction of limb defects between one and two years of age.
Is craniosynostosis surgery safe?
The surgery is very safe and produces excellent results. There are several surgical options for treating craniosynostosis, depending on which type it is. It’s usually best to perform surgery at just a few weeks to a few months of age, since the skull bones are the softest and most malleable then.
What happens after craniosynostosis surgery?
After craniosynostosis surgery, there will be sutures (stitches) across the top of your child’s head from ear to ear. There will also be a shaven strip of hair. Your child’s face will be very swollen, and their eyelids may be swollen shut. Their forehead will appear very prominent.
Do all babies with craniosynostosis need surgery?
A small number of babies with mild craniosynostosis won’t need surgical treatment. Rather, they can wear a special helmet to fix the shape of their skull as their brain grows. Most babies with this condition will need surgery to correct the shape of their head and relieve pressure on their brain.
Is craniosynostosis genetic?
Craniosynostosis occurs in one in about 2500 live births and affects males twice as often as females. It is most often sporadic (occurs by chance with no known genetic cause), but in some families, craniosynostosis is inherited by passing on specific genes that are known to cause this condition.
What happens if craniosynostosis is not corrected?
If not corrected, craniosynostosis can create pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure). That pressure can lead to development problems, or to permanent brain damage. If not treated, most forms of craniosynostosis can have very serious results, including death.
Can craniosynostosis be prevented?
The findings suggest that dietary intake of nutrients related to one-carbon metabolism and antioxidant nutrients may be associated with reduced risk of craniosynostosis, especially synostosis of the sagittal and coronal sutures.
How do I know if my baby has craniosynostosis?
What are the symptoms of craniosynostosis?
- Full or bulging fontanelle (soft spot located on the top of the head)
- Sleepiness (or less alert than usual)
- Scalp veins may be very noticeable.
- Increased irritability.
- High-pitched cry.
- Poor feeding.
- Projectile vomiting.
- Increasing head circumference.
What kind of doctor treats craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis requires evaluation by specialists, such as a pediatric neurosurgeon or a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Diagnosis of craniosynostosis may include: Physical exam. Your doctor will feel your baby’s head for abnormalities such as suture ridges, and look for facial deformities.
Can craniosynostosis cause developmental delays?
In 2015, Dr. Matthew Speltz’s team published results indicating that school-age children with the most common form of craniosynostosis are more likely to suffer developmental delays and learning problems than children who don’t have the disorder.