Premature Skull Closure in Infants: Understanding Craniosynostosis and Treatment Options

Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis is a developmental disorder that causes congenital abnormalities in the head and facial shape of infants. This condition results from premature closure of the baby's skull bones and does not leave sufficient space for brain development. Craniosynostosis is a condition that can be successfully corrected with appropriate treatment methods. In this article prepared for you, we will try to provide information about what craniosynostosis is, the fontanel closure process, symptoms, and treatment methods.

What is Craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the baby's skull bones fuse and close earlier than normal. The infant's skull is surrounded by flexible areas called fontanels to accommodate brain growth during and after birth. However, in craniosynostosis, these flexible areas close prematurely and do not leave sufficient space for brain growth. This condition can lead to abnormalities in head and facial shape, increased intracranial pressure, and developmental problems.

When Do Fontanels Close?

Under normal circumstances, the fontanels in the baby's skull gradually close after birth. The anterior fontanel closes on average between 9-18 months, while the posterior fontanel closes between 2-3 months. This process varies in each baby and can differ depending on genetic factors, nutritional status, and health conditions.

What Are the Symptoms of Craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis symptoms vary depending on the number and location of closing fontanels. In general, the most common symptoms of craniosynostosis are:

• Abnormal shape or size of the baby's head,

• Asymmetry in skull bones,

• Premature closure and hardening of fontanels,

• Prominent suture lines on the head,

• Facial abnormalities and asymmetry,

• Developmental delay and intellectual disability (in severe cases),

If craniosynostosis symptoms are noticed in a baby, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance for correcting head and facial shape and providing adequate space for brain development. Craniosynostosis treatment is generally performed through surgical intervention and can result successfully.

What Are the Types of Craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect resulting from premature closure of the baby's skull bones. This condition prevents normal skull growth, can damage brain development, and cause deformities in head shape. There are various types of craniosynostosis. The most common types of craniosynostosis can be listed as follows:

Sagittal Craniosynostosis; Results from premature closure of the sagittal suture located at the midline of the skull. This condition causes the skull to have a long and narrow shape. It is the most frequently observed type of craniosynostosis.

Coronal Craniosynostosis; Occurs as a result of premature closure of the coronal suture located in the front portion of the skull. This condition prevents skull widening and causes shape deformities around the forehead and eyes.

Metopic Craniosynostosis; Results from premature closure of the metopic suture located in the forehead region. This type of craniosynostosis causes a prominent and pointed appearance in the forehead area.

Lambdoid Craniosynostosis; Occurs as a result of premature closure of the lambdoid suture located in the posterior portion of the skull. This condition causes irregular shape changes in the back portion of the skull.

Complete Craniosynostosis; A type of craniosynostosis in which multiple sutures are affected. This condition can lead to serious effects on skull and brain development.

How is Craniosynostosis Diagnosed?

Craniosynostosis is diagnosed by pediatricians and neurosurgeons using clinical examination and imaging methods. The methods used in craniosynostosis diagnosis are as follows:

• Physical Examination,

• Imaging Methods,

• Genetic Tests,

How is Craniosynostosis Treated?

Craniosynostosis treatment varies depending on the patient's age, type of craniosynostosis, and severity. The methods used in craniosynostosis treatment can be listed as follows:

• Surgical Treatment,

• Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery,

• Skull Reshaping Devices,

• Physical and Neurological Rehabilitation,

What Happens if Craniosynostosis is Not Treated?

Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect resulting from premature closure of the baby's skull bones. This condition prevents normal brain growth and skull shape formation. If craniosynostosis is not treated, it can lead to various health problems. Some of the problems that may arise if craniosynostosis is not treated:

Premature closure of skull bones does not leave sufficient space for brain growth. This condition leads to increased intracranial pressure and can cause brain damage.

Increased intracranial pressure can affect brain functions, causing developmental delays. This condition can lead to problems such as intellectual disability, learning difficulties, and motor skill problems.

Craniosynostosis can increase pressure on the optic nerve, causing vision problems. This condition can lead to double vision, blindness, and other visual disturbances.

Craniosynostosis can prevent the normal development of ear structures, causing hearing problems.

Craniosynostosis can lead to abnormality in upper airway and nasal structures, causing respiratory problems.

Craniosynostosis can cause abnormal shape formation of skull and facial bones, leading to aesthetic problems.

Early diagnosis and treatment of craniosynostosis can help prevent these problems. Therefore, specialist consultation should be sought in suspicious cases.

How is Craniosynostosis Surgery Performed?

Craniosynostosis surgery is generally performed through surgical intervention. The primary goal of the surgery is to reshape the skull bones to provide adequate space for normal brain growth. Craniosynostosis surgery is performed as follows:

Anesthesia; Prior to surgery, general anesthesia is administered depending on the patient's age and general health condition.

Incision and removal of skull bones; The surgeon makes an appropriate incision over the skull and removes the fused skull bones.

Reshaping of skull bones; The removed skull bones are reshaped to provide adequate space for normal brain growth.

Placement of skull bones; The reshaped skull bones are positioned appropriately and secured with surgical plates and screws.

Closure of the incision site; The incision is carefully closed with sutures and the surgery is completed.

After surgery, the patient's head shape and functions are monitored regularly. A successful surgery contributes significantly to the child's normal development and quality of life.

What Are Head Shape Deformities in Infants?

Head shape deformities in infants are various anomalies that can occur during or after birth. Some head shape deformities seen in infants can be explained as follows:

Plagiocephaly; A head shape deformity that results from flattening of one side of the baby's head. It usually occurs due to sleeping position and in most cases does not require special treatment.

Brachycephaly; A head shape deformity that results from flattening and widening of the back portion of the baby's head. It usually occurs due to sleeping position and in most cases does not require special treatment.

Scaphocephaly; A condition in which the baby's head is long and narrow in the anterior-posterior plane. This condition can occur before or after birth and may require treatment.

Trigonocephaly; A triangular-shaped deformation seen in the front portion of the baby's head. This condition usually occurs due to premature closure of skull bones and may require surgical intervention.

Head shape deformities in infants usually resolve over time. However, specialist consultation should be sought in suspicious cases or in cases of severe deformity.

Craniosynostosis Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has gained international recognition through its investments and efforts in healthcare. Particularly, the latest technological devices used in diagnostic and treatment procedures have become a source of hope for many diseases. Additionally, there has been an increase in health tourism to Turkey.

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being specialized, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and caregivers being warm-hearted and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including the intermediary firm dealing with the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering natural and historical attractions with vacation opportunities,

• Easy accessibility,

• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation needs being available at affordable prices,

are among the stated reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who wish to come to Turkey are conducting research about craniosynostosis treatment costs in Turkey. However, it would not be appropriate to provide definitive price information at this stage. Many factors affect the price issue such as the type and stage of the disease, diagnostic process, treatment process, and length of stay in Turkey. If you would like to obtain more detailed price information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our intermediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter sent to the consulate by us.