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Fontanelles - sunken - Treatment

Alternative Names

Sunken fontanelles; Soft spot - sunken

Call your health care provider if:

A sunken fontanelle CAN BE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY and a health care provider should check it right away.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about the child's symptoms and medical history, such as:

  • When did you first notice that the fontanelle looked sunken?
  • How severe is it? How would you describe it?
  • Which "soft spots" are affected?
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Has the baby been ill, especially with vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating?
  • Is the skin turgor poor?
  • Is the baby thirsty?
  • Is the baby alert?
  • Are the baby's eyes dry?
  • Is the baby's mouth moist?

Tests may include:

You might be referred to a place that can provide intravenous (IV) fluids if the sunken fontanelle is caused by dehydration.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/24/2011
  • 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.
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