Comprehensive Guide to Craniosynostosis: Essential Information Explored
Craniosynostosis is a rare condition that affects the development of a baby's skull, resulting in an abnormally shaped head. This condition occurs due to the premature joining of cranial nerves, which should usually be joined only after the child reaches the age of two, allowing the brain to develop without any pressure from the skull.
There are several types of Craniosynostosis, including sagittal synostosis, coronal craniosynostosis, metopic synostosis, and synostosis of the lambdoid. In sagittal synostosis, the sagittal nerve unites early, causing the head to grow taller but narrower than it should. Boys are more likely to experience this. On the other hand, in coronal craniosynostosis, the nerves that connect the top of the head to the ears fuse sooner than they should, resulting in a flat forehead. Girls are more likely to experience this. In synostosis metopic, the nerves that connect the sagittal nerve to the nose fuse quickly, causing the scalp to develop a triangle shape. Lastly, in synostosis of the lambdoid, the lambdoid nerve at the back of the skull fuses early, forming a flat-topped head.
Craniosynostosis can be either syndromic or nonsyndromic. Syndromic Cranial Nerves Synostosis occurs with other birth defects, while nonsyndromic Cranial Nerves Synostosis is caused by cell defects in the nerves. Pregnancy-related factors such as taking valproic acid-like Depakote for epilepsy, using fertility medicines like clomiphene citrate, or having thyroid disease or undergoing thyroid treatment during pregnancy may increase the risk of giving birth to a child with Craniosynostosis.
If left untreated, Craniosynostosis can lead to additional complications such as vision problems. However, there are effective treatment options available. Conventional surgery for Craniosynostosis involves making an incision across the top of the baby's scalp and removing any sections of the skull that are out of form. Endoscopic Surgery for Craniosynostosis, on the other hand, involves making two small incisions in the scalp and using an endoscope to cut the nerves.
Fortunately, the best neurology hospital in Guntur can treat all types of Craniosynostosis mentioned above. If you or someone you know is affected by this condition, seeking professional help is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for the child. Remember, children with Craniosynostosis may feel odd, excluded, lonely, and isolated, and they may feel ashamed of their heads and themselves. It's important to provide them with the support they need during this challenging time.