Sagittal Craniosynostosis

What Is Craniosynostosis?

The normal skull consists of several plates of bone that are separated by sutures. The sutures (fibrous joints) are found between the bony plates in the head. The function of the suture is to allow molding through the birth canal and adjustments for the growing brain.  As the infant grows and develops, the sutures close, forming a solid piece of bone, called the skull.

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the sutures close prematurely, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth and premature closure of the fontanelles (soft spots). Premature closure of the sutures may also cause the pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull or facial bones to change from a normal, symmetrical appearance.

What are the symptoms?

The most common sign of craniosynostosis is an oddly shaped head at birth or by the time the child is a few months old. For example, the skull may become long and narrow. Or it may be very flat and broad in front or back or on the sides. This oddly shaped head may be the only sign of craniosynostosis.

In rare cases, the deformity causes pressure to build up on the baby’s brain. This can cause brain damage and can make the baby develop more slowly than other children.

Brogan’s Diagnosis – Sagittal Craniosynostosis

Sagittal Craniosynostosis is the most common type of Cranioysnostosis (40%-58% of all cranio cases) and effects more males than females. Early closure of the sagittal suture results in scaphocephaly. Infants will often have a protruding forehead, an elongated head, and protruding at the back of the skull.

The good news is that this condition is treatable!  We are very fortunate to live less than 10 miles from The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, and Brogan had two of the most qualified surgeons in the field performing her surgery.  The surgery was a success and Brogan is recovering well.  She handled the surgery well and will hopefully one day take a lot of Pride in her scar!

Want to Help? Want more information? 

Please check out our friends at www.CranioCareBears.org for more very valuable information and a means to help families dealing with this difficult experience.