Our skull is made up of eight bones connected by sutures that allow the head to expand as a baby’s brain grows. Normally, these sutures remain open until early childhood. In craniosynostosis, one or more sutures fuse too early, leading to an abnormal head shape. This can restrict brain growth if untreated. While sometimes mild, craniosynostosis often requires early diagnosis and proper treatment by craniofacial specialists to ensure normal brain and skull development.
What Is Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a condition where one or more cranial sutures close prematurely, causing an abnormal skull shape. The condition can affect a single suture (such as sagittal, coronal, metopic, or lambdoid) or multiple sutures in severe cases.
- Craniosynostosis causes may include genetic syndromes, hereditary factors, or unknown reasons.
- Craniosynostosis symptoms usually appear within weeks after birth.
- Untreated craniosynostosis can lead to restricted skull growth and increased intracranial pressure.
The most effective treatment for craniosynostosis is surgery, performed early in life, to reshape the skull and allow the brain to grow normally.
Is Craniosynostosis in Children Common?
Craniosynostosis occurs in about 1 in every 2,000 live births. While not considered extremely common, it is not rare either. Many cases involve only one suture and are classified as mild craniosynostosis, while others may involve multiple sutures and require more complex care.
Children with craniosynostosis are usually otherwise healthy and intelligent. However, when linked to a syndrome (craniosynostosis syndrome), additional issues like breathing or developmental delays may appear.
Most babies who undergo craniosynostosis surgery during infancy can expect a normal life, though regular medical follow-ups are important to track skull and brain growth.
What Is a Symptom of Craniosynostosis?
The most noticeable sign of craniosynostosis is an abnormally shaped head. Depending on which suture is involved:
- The head may appear too long, wide, short, or asymmetric.
- One side of the skull may look uneven compared to the other.
Other symptoms include:
- A bulging fontanel (soft spot on baby’s head)
- Irritability, drowsiness, or feeding difficulties
- Slow or no growth in head circumference
- Signs of increased intracranial pressure (rare but serious)
Parents often notice these changes within the first few weeks after birth.
How Can Craniosynostosis Be Diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam by a pediatrician or craniofacial specialist. Doctors may:
- Feel the baby’s skull for ridges or abnormal soft spots.
- Check for irregular facial or head shapes.
In some cases, prenatal ultrasound may detect abnormal skull growth. After birth, doctors confirm the diagnosis with:
- X-rays
- CT scans to view fused sutures and brain development
Early diagnosis ensures that treatment for craniosynostosis can begin before complications arise.
Treatment for Craniosynostosis
The main treatment option for craniosynostosis is surgery, ideally performed within the first year of life. The goals of craniosynostosis surgery in New Jersey are to:
- Correct the skull shape
- Relieve pressure on the brain
- Allow normal brain growth
Types of surgery include:
- Endoscopic craniosynostosis surgery – minimally invasive, usually for younger infants
- Open cranial vault surgery – more extensive reshaping, often for older infants or complex cases
Success rates are very high, with most children achieving healthy skull growth and improved appearance.
Schedule an Appointment Online at Craniofacial Center in NJ
At the NJ Craniofacial Center, our multidisciplinary team of craniofacial specialists provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for infants and children with craniosynostosis and other craniofacial conditions. We address medical, developmental, and cosmetic concerns to ensure your child’s overall well-being.
📞 Call our office or request an appointment online today to discuss your child’s needs with our experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does craniosynostosis affect IQ?
The answer to the question is no. It depends on one patient to another suffering from the underlying condition. In some cases, IQ is minorly affected while in general no such evidence has been found
2. Can kids with craniosynostosis live a normal life?
The severity of craniosynostosis varies from minor to severe in each newborn kid. The majority of infants with craniosynostosis are overall healthy and live a normal life
3. What is the success rate of craniosynostosis surgery?
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive method with outstanding outcomes used in such cases. The overall success rate of craniosynostosis is 95%
