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Craniosynostosis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Premature closure of sutures

Symptoms:

  • Absence of the normal feeling of a "soft spot" (fontanelle) on the newborn's skull
  • Disappearance of the fontanelle early
  • A raised hard ridge along the affected sutures
  • Unusual head shape
  • Slow or no increase in the head size over time as the baby grows

Signs and tests:

The doctor will feel the infant's head and perform a physical exam. A neurological exam would also help diagnose the condition. The following tests may be performed:

  • Measuring the width of the infant's head
  • X-rays of the skull
  • CT scan of the head
  • Reviewed last on: 11/2/2009
  • Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kinsman SL, Johnston MV. Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 592.

Ridgway EB. Skull deformities. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2004;51(2):359-387.

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