Craniosynostosis

Examinations and Tests

The effects of craniosynostosis are often visible at birth or shortly afterward. In some cases a doctor may notice an irregularly shaped head during a routine well-child checkup in the first few months of life. Your baby's doctor may try to rule out other factors or conditions that can cause a misshapen head, such as those related to the birthing process or an infant's sleeping position.

Your baby's doctor will examine:

• The appearance of each side of your baby's face and head.
• Your baby's skull (sutures) and the soft spots (fontanelles).
• The top and sides of the head where sutures are located to determine if there are unusual ridges or bumps.

Your baby's doctor will also ask you questions about your medical history to help determine whether your baby has inherited craniosynostosis. To confirm a diagnosis, your baby's doctor may order one or more of the following tests:

• Skull X-ray. This type of X-ray is usually the first test done because it can often show whether the sutures on the baby's skull are open or closed.
• CT scan. This test shows the skull shape and sutures in greater detail than an X-ray, so it often is done if the skull X-ray is unable to show clearly whether the sutures are open or closed.
• MRI. An MRI scan of the head may be done to check whether the baby has developed any problems within the brain. Although rare, prematurely closing sutures can create these types of problems if the skull's growth is severely restricted. Access to MRI scanners is not available in all areas. If you need an MRI scan, you may need to travel to a regional centre.

If your baby has been diagnosed with craniosynostosis:

• Ask your doctor about genetic counselling. Craniosynostosis is associated with genetic disorders in up to 20% of cases.¹ Having one baby with craniosynostosis increases your chance of having another baby with this condition.
• Watch for signs of increased pressure on your baby's brain, such as vomiting, sluggishness, and swelling around the eyes. Call your doctor immediately if any of these signs develop.
• Have your child's hearing checked because there's a chance of hearing loss.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: October 2, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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