Craniosynostosis

• Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early.

• This happens before the brain is fully formed and can slow the growth of the baby’s brain.

• Researchers estimate that about 1 in every 2,500 babies is born with craniosynostosis in the US.  Source: CDC

Craniosynostosis is a condition where the bones in a baby's skull join together too early, before the brain is fully formed. As the baby's brain grows, the skull can become misshapen.

The spaces between a baby's skull bones are filled with flexible material. These spaces, called sutures, allow the skull to grow as the baby's brain grows. Typically, around two years of age, the skull bones begin to join together as the sutures "close" and become bone.

When a suture closes, the baby’s head will stop growing in only that part of the skull. In other areas where sutures have not joined together, the baby's head will continue to grow. When that happens, the skull will have an abnormal shape, though the brain inside can grow to its usual size.

Sometimes more than one suture closes early. In these instances, the brain might not have enough room to grow. This can lead to a build-up of pressure inside the skull.

The severity of the craniosynostosis can cause additional problems, depending on:

• Which sutures closed early

• When the sutures closed (was it before or after birth and at what age)

• Whether or not the brain has room to grow

Sometimes, if the condition is not treated, the pressure in the baby's skull can lead to blindness, seizures, or brain damage. Source: CDC