The bones in your childs skull are connected by joints called sutures.
These sutures usually stay flexible until your little ones second birthday, giving theirbrainroom to grow.
As the brain grows, your baby may experience increased intracranial pressure as well.
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Craniosynostosis occurs in one of every 2,500 live births.
This is the most common key in of craniosynostosis, and is usually visible at birth or shortly after.
Sagittal craniosynostosis is most often treated with surgery and close follow-up care.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-lasting complications.
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Types of Craniosynostosis
Sagittal craniosynostosis is the most common throw in of craniosynostosis.
Bone growth in a babys skull is directed away from the suture lines.
This results in a long, narrow head with a full (bossing) forehead.
This birth defect may be sparked by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The abnormality is often spotted at birth because the skull malformation can be very pronounced.
Your doctor will also feel your childs fontanel to determine if it has closed.
A CT scan with 3D reconstruction is considered the most accurate way to diagnose sagittal craniosynostosis.
This test can show your childs sagittal suture, as well as any abnormalities in the brain.
Many children are diagnosed at birth because the head already appears long and narrow.
Young infants aged 2 to 4 months are candidates for endoscopic craniosynostosis surgery.
After surgery, they will need to wear a molding helmet for several months.
Babies older than 6 months usually undergo calvarial vault remodeling surgery and do not require a helmet.
Prognosis
Most babies who are treated for sagittal craniosynostosis have successful outcomes without complications.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for treatment success.
Despite this hopeful prognosis, the diagnostic and treatment period can feel grueling for parents.
If you do not have access to a local group, seek out an online community.
Your medical team may have recommendations.
Ask your providers who you could call with your questions in between appointments as well.
This limits the room for the brain to grow and increases the pressure in their head.
This condition causes a cone-shaped head.
It may be diagnosed at birth or shortly after by symptoms alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sagittal craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis causes one or several sutures to fuse prematurely, leading to a misshapen skull and head.
What causes sagittal craniosynostosis?
Sagittal craniosynostosis is most often considered a random birth defect with no known cause.
Researchers believe it is brought on by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
In rare cases, sagittal craniosynostosis is due to a genetic disorder.
How common is craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a relatively common birth defect with one case in every 2,500 live births.
What should you expect after craniosynostosis surgery?
If your child had endoscopic craniosynostosis, they will need to wear a shaping helmet for several months afterwards.
Treatment for sagittal craniosynostosis involves surgery to correct the skulls shape and give the brain room to grow.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about craniosynostosis.
Childrens Hospital of St. Louis.Sagittal craniosynostosis (scaphocephaly) diagnosis and treatment.
Childrens Health.Pediatric sagittal synostosis.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Craniosynostosis.
2008;82(2):78-85. doi:10.1002/bdra.20426
Cleveland Clinic.Craniosynostosis: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment.
2020;10(9):e033403.
