What Is Craniosynostosis and How Is It Treated?

Craniosynostosis is a developmental disorder that causes congenital abnormalities in the shape of the head and face of babies. This condition occurs as a result of premature closure of the baby’s skull bones, leaving insufficient space for brain development. Craniosynostosis is a condition that can be successfully corrected with the right treatment methods. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give information about what craniosynostosis is, the fontanelle closure process, symptoms, and treatment methods.

What Is Craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the bones of the baby’s skull close together earlier than normal. The skull of babies is surrounded by flexible areas called fontanelles to adapt to brain growth during and after birth. However, in the case of craniosynostosis, these flexible areas close prematurely and do not leave enough space for brain growth. This can lead to abnormalities in head and face shape, brain pressure and developmental problems.

When Does The Fontanelle Close?

Under normal circumstances, the fontanelles in the baby’s skull gradually close after birth. On average, the anterior fontanelle closes between 9-18 months and the posterior fontanelle closes between 2-3 months. This process may differ in each baby and may vary depending on genetic factors, nutritional status, and health conditions.

What Are The Symptoms Of Craniosynostosis?

Symptoms of craniosynostosis may vary depending on the number and location of the closed fontanelles. In general, the most common symptoms of craniosynostosis are the following;

• Abnormal shape or size of the baby’s head,
• Asymmetry of the skull bones,
• Premature closure and hardening of the fontanelles,
• Distinct suture lines of the head,
• Facial abnormalities and asymmetry,
• Developmental delay and mental retardation (in severe cases),

If signs of craniosynostosis are noticed in a baby, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance to correct the shape of the head and face and to provide the appropriate space for brain development. Treatment of craniosynostosis is usually performed by surgical intervention and can result in a successful outcome.

What Are The Types of Craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that occurs as a result of premature closure of the skull bones of babies. This condition can damage brain development by preventing the normal growth of the skull and can cause distortions in the shape of the head. There are several types of craniosynostosis. The most common types of craniosynostosis can be listed as follows;

Sagittal Craniosynostosis; It occurs as a result of early closure of the sagittal suture in the midline of the skull. This causes the skull to have a long and narrow structure. It is the most common type of craniosynostosis.

Coronal Craniosynostosis; It occurs as a result of premature closure of the coronal suture in the anterior part of the skull. This prevents the expansion of the skull and leads to deformities around the forehead and eyes.

Metopic Craniosynostosis; It occurs as a result of premature closure of the metopic suture in the forehead region. This type of craniosynostosis causes a protrusion and pointed structure in the forehead.

Lambdoid Craniosynostosis; It occurs as a result of premature closure of the lambdoid suture in the back of the skull. This causes irregular shape changes in the back of the skull.

Complete Craniosynostosis; is a type of craniosynostosis in which more than one suture is affected. This can lead to serious effects on the development of the skull and brain.

How Is Craniosynostosis Diagnosed?

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

• Physical Examination,
• Imaging Methods,
• Genetic Testing;

How Is Craniosynostosis Treated?

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

• Surgical Treatment,
• Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery,
• Skull Contouring Devices,
• Physical and Neurological Rehabilitation,

What Happens If Craniosynostosis Is Not Treated?

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that occurs as a result of premature closure of the skull bones of babies. This prevents the brain from growing normally and the skull from taking shape. If left untreated, craniosynostosis can lead to various health problems. Here are some of the problems that can occur if craniosynostosis is not treated;

Premature closure of the skull bones does not leave enough space for the brain to grow. This causes increased intracranial pressure and can lead to brain damage.

Increased intracranial pressure can cause developmental delays by affecting brain functions. This can lead to problems such as mental retardation, learning difficulties, and motor skills problems.

Craniosynostosis can cause vision problems by increasing the pressure on the optic nerve. This can lead to double vision, blindness, and other visual impairments.

Craniosynostosis can cause hearing problems by preventing the normal development of ear structures.

Craniosynostosis can cause abnormalities of the upper airway and nasal structures, leading to breathing problems.

Craniosynostosis can cause aesthetic problems by causing abnormal shapes of the skull and facial bones.

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

How Is Craniosynostosis Surgery Performed?

Craniosynostosis surgery is usually performed by surgical intervention. The main purpose of the surgery is to reshape the skull bones to provide enough space for the brain to grow normally. Craniosynostosis surgery is performed as follows;

Anesthesia; Before the surgery, general anesthesia is applied depending on the age and general health status of the patient.

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

Reshaping of the skull bones; The removed skull bones are reshaped to provide enough space for the brain to grow normally.

Placement of the skull bones; The reshaped skull bones are placed in the appropriate position and fixed with surgical plates and screws.

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

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

What Are Head Deformities in Infants?

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

Plagiocephaly; It is a head deformity that occurs as a result of the flattening of one side of the baby’s head. It usually occurs due to the sleeping position and in most cases does not require special treatment.

Brachycephaly; It is a head deformity that occurs as a result of flattening and enlargement of the back of the baby’s head. It usually occurs due to the sleeping position and in most cases does not require special treatment.

Scaphocephaly; It is a condition in which the baby’s head is long and narrow in the anteroposterior plane. This condition may occur before or after birth and may require treatment.

Trigonocephaly; is a triangular deformation in the front part of the baby’s head. This condition usually occurs due to premature closure of the skull bones and may require surgical intervention.

Head deformities in infants, in most cases, improve over time. However, in suspicious cases or severe deformations, a specialist should be consulted.

Craniosynostosis Treatment Prices In Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Craniosynostosis Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage.Türkiye’de Klinefelter Sendromu Tedavi Fiyatları Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.