Craniosynostosis occurs when one or more of the fibrous joints in a baby's skull, called sutures, fuse prematurely. This can cause the skull to grow abnormally, leading to a variety of complications.
Causes of Craniosynostosis:
The exact cause of craniosynostosis is often unknown, but it can be attributed to a combination of factors:
- Genetic Factors: Some cases are inherited, meaning they run in families.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol or drugs, might play a role.
- Spontaneous Mutations: Sometimes, a mutation in the genes responsible for skull development occurs randomly, leading to craniosynostosis.
Types of Craniosynostosis:
There are different types of craniosynostosis, depending on which suture(s) are affected. Some common types include:
- Sagittal Synostosis: The sagittal suture fuses prematurely, resulting in a long, narrow head shape.
- Coronal Synostosis: The coronal suture fuses prematurely, leading to an asymmetric head shape, with one side of the forehead being flatter than the other.
- Metopic Synostosis: The metopic suture fuses prematurely, causing a triangular-shaped forehead.
- Lambdoid Synostosis: The lambdoid suture fuses prematurely, resulting in a flattened back of the head.
Treatment:
Craniosynostosis is often treated surgically to reshape the skull and allow for normal brain growth. The specific procedure depends on the type and severity of the condition.
