Treatment
The main treatment for craniosynostosis is surgery. Surgery is done while the baby is still an infant. The goals of surgery are:
- Relieve any pressure on the brain
- Make sure there is enough room in the skull to allow the brain to properly grow
- Improve the appearance of the child’s head
Prognosis (Expectations)
How well a person does depends on how many sutures are involved and whether other defects are present. Patients who have surgery usually do well, especially those whose condition is not association with a genetic syndrome.
Complications
Craniosynostosis results in head deformity that can be severe and permanent if it is not corrected. Increased intracranial pressure, seizures, and developmental delay can occur.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you think your child’s head has an unusual shape. A referral to a pediatric neurologist or neurosurgeon should follow.
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Craniosynostosis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Craniosynostosis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Craniosynostosis : Treatment
Review Date : 11/2/2009
Reviewed By : 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.
