skull bone deformities

Human skulls come in many different shapes and sizes, each possessing their own unique characteristics. However, some children are born with skull deformities, which can be a cause of concern for parents. These deformities can be due to a variety of reasons, including genetics, fetal positioning, or prenatal conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the various types of skull deformities that can occur in infants and young children, their potential causes and the possible treatment options. Whether you are a concerned parent or simply interested in learning more about this topic, keep reading to discover more!

Understanding Deformational Plagiocephaly

Understanding Deformational Plagiocephaly is essential for parents and caregivers of infants as it is a common condition that affects many babies. This type of skull deformity occurs when there is uneven flattening in the back of the head on one side, and the forehead may appear more prominent. It can be either posterior or anterior, without any specific etiology. Deformational Plagiocephaly is different from Craniosynostosis, which is a congenital deformity of the skull. The skull is easily moldable in the first few months of life, and external pressure can cause the cerebral deformities. There are five types of head shape deformities in infants with Deformational Plagiocephaly. Understanding what causes this condition can assist parents and caregivers in identifying it early on and finding appropriate treatments.

Differences between Positional and Intrauterine/Peripartum Skull Deformities

In contrast to positional deformities, intrauterine or peripartum skull deformities usually reduce spontaneously and do not require specific treatment. Positional deformities, on the other hand, are caused by the pressure on the soft skull bones and can be prevented or treated with repositioning techniques, helmets, and physical therapy. Understanding the difference between these types of skull deformities is crucial for physicians to make accurate diagnoses and determine the appropriate course of treatment for their patients. With proper intervention, infants with positional skull deformities can have significant improvement in their cranial morphology and function.

Why Positional Skull Deformities Happen

Positional skull deformities can occur for a variety of reasons, but they are usually due to repetitive positioning of an infant's head in the same position for extended periods of time. This can happen when a baby is placed in car seats, bouncers, or swings, or simply when a baby sleeps on their back consistently. These deformities are often reversible with repositioning or physical therapy designed to strengthen neck muscles to promote a more natural shape. It's important for parents to be aware of the importance of alternate positions for their baby's head during the first six months of life to minimize the risk of positional skull deformities. Other causes of skull deformities include the congenital condition known as craniosynostosis, which occurs when the joints between an infant's skull bones fuse together too early. This can result in an irregular and often aesthetically unpleasing skull shape.

Craniosynostosis: A Congenital Deformity of the Infant Skull

Craniosynostosis is a congenital deformity of the infant skull that occurs when one or more of the sutures between the bones of the skull closes too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth. It is different from positional skull deformities, which usually occur from external positional factors during infancy. In craniosynostosis, early suture closure can cause the skull to grow in an unusual shape, possibly leading to abnormal development of the brain. There are different types of craniosynostosis, including unicoronal synostosis and metopic synostosis which can affect skull shape, facial symmetry and eye position. It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of craniosynostosis as early intervention can greatly improve the child's health outcomes.

Abnormal Brain Development and Premature Suture Closure

Abnormal brain development and premature suture closure can lead to craniosynostosis, a congenital deformity of the infant skull. This condition occurs when the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull (cranial sutures) close too early, hindering normal brain and skull growth. This can lead to abnormalities in the shape of the skull and sometimes restrict overall skull growth, which can endanger the developing brain. However, not all cranial abnormalities seen in children with craniosynostosis are solely a consequence of the premature fusion of cranial sutures. Thus, it's important to understand the different causes of skull deformities, such as positional skull deformities and intrauterine or peripartum skull deformities. By recognizing the differences between them, parents and medical professionals can better understand why these deformities happen and how to address them.

Acranial Babies: Absence of Calvaria

Acranial babies, defined as those with the absence of calvaria, are a rare and severe anomaly that often result in stillbirth or neonatal death. This deviation affects the cerebral hemisphere, preventing the brain from developing properly, and leaving the skull deformed. Although acrania is a severe condition that often results in dire consequences, it occurs infrequently. In contrast, deformational plagiocephaly, which can be caused by a variety of factors that affect the child's growth and development, is one of the most common types of infant skull deformities. While positional skull deformities are caused by extrauterine pressure, intrauterine, or peripartum skull deformities can result in abnormal brain development and premature suture closure, leading to craniosynostosis. It is important to stay informed about these different types of skull deformities to make informed healthcare decisions about treatment options for a child's growth and development.

Misshapen Child's Head: Growth Patterns and Pressure

When a child's head is misshapen, it could be due to a variety of factors, including growth patterns and pressure put on the skull. In some cases, positional skull deformities occur for about 20% of babies due to certain positions that apply pressure to the back of their heads. This can lead to a condition called posterior plagiocephaly, where the occiput is flattened with corresponding facial asymmetry. However, most children with plagiocephaly still have patent cranial sutures, and head circumference is not affected by the deformity. Understanding the genetics and pathophysiology underlying these types of head shape abnormalities is important for treatment, which often involves surgery to reduce pressure in the head and correct the facial and skull bone deformities. Early intervention is key to ensure proper brain development and function.

Spinal Deformities and Their Impact on Skull Shape

Spinal deformities can have a significant impact on the shape of a child's skull, which can in turn lead to postural abnormalities and deformities. These congenital deformities, which include scoliosis and kyphosis, can contribute to the base of the skull and affect the alignment of the nasal tip and face. This can also lead to asymmetrical skull deformities frequently seen in children with cerebral palsy. It's important to understand the relationship between spinal and skull deformities as some children benefit from surgical correction procedures. It's important to be aware of the different types of head shape abnormalities for both aesthetics and functionality. By knowing the underlying causes of skull deformities, parents and caregivers can take steps to manage or even prevent them from happening.

Metopic Synostosis: Trigonocephaly

Metopic synostosis, also known as trigonocephaly, is a type of craniosynostosis that occurs when the metopic suture in the skull fuses prematurely, resulting in a triangular shape of the head. This condition is a congenital deformity of the infant skull that restricts the growth of the frontal bones, leading to a unique and identifiable appearance. As with other skull deformities, metopic synostosis can lead to developmental and social concerns as the child grows. Understanding the causes and effects of metopic synostosis is important to identify and treat this condition early on. By working with medical professionals, parents can support their child's healthy development while addressing any concerns related to skull shape and overall physical health.

Coronal Synostosis: Causes and Effects on Head Shape

Coronal synostosis is a type of craniosynostosis that occurs when the coronal sutures in the infant's skull fuses prematurely. This condition affects the shape of the head and can lead to various issues like abnormal brain development, visual disturbances, and seizures. The primary cause of coronal synostosis is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic factors. This condition can also occur along with other birth defects like cleft palate and heart disease. It can cause a flattening of the forehead on the affected side of the skull, making it appear more prominent. Early diagnosis and treatment through surgery are crucial in preventing further complications and improving the child's quality of life.