Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis (pronounced "cray-nee-o-SIN-os-toe-sis") is a birth defect involving the head and skull. Normally, after a baby is born, his or her brain grows rather rapidly, doubling in size within about nine months and tripling in size by the time he or she is 3 years old. A baby's skull needs to expand at the same rate. The several bones that make up the skull, connected by a sort of fibrous tissue hinges, are meant to expand to allow room for the growing brain.

In about one out of 2,000 live births, the tissue hinges, known as "sutures," don't stretch and allow the brain to grow correctly. The sutures fuse the skull bones together too early, potentially causing severe problems for the baby's brain growth and appearance.

This happens to boys at twice the rate seen in girls. No one knows what causes this birth defect, or why it happens more often in boys.

What Is Craniosynostosis?

As a head and skull defect, craniosynostosis has been documented in babies since the very earliest days of recorded medical history. It's a very recognizable head and skull defect, because when the skull sutures close up too soon, the brain takes "the path of least resistance," distorting the shape of the skull, the brain, and even the face. The craniosynostosis may also cause the pressure inside of the skull to increase.

There are several specific types of craniosynostosis; each is based on the particular skull bone(s) and suture(s) involved. Some types of craniosynostosis can affect the brain and development of the child; other types do not.

Long-Term Complications Associated with Craniosynostosis

The long-term complications associated with craniosynostosis can be avoided by detecting this head and skull defect early, and treating it. The traditional treatment is craniofacial surgery, by resecting or removing the suture(s) causing the craniosynostosis. However, less invasive surgeries (such as endoscopic craniectomy) and other types of treatments are being used with success.

A child who has had craniosynostosis will need frequent and thorough medical evaluations to make sure that his or her skull, brain, and facial bones developing normally. This birth defect can be overcome.

Was Your Baby Born with Craniosynostosis?

If your baby was born with craniosynostosis, it can be a scary and frightening event. Over the years, evidence has shown that the likelihood that a baby will be born with the head and skull defect may be greater in infants whose mothers take certain medications such as Zoloft®, Prozac®, Lexapro® and Celexa® during their pregnancies.

If you were given any type of medication during your pregnancy and your baby was born with craniosynostosis or another birth defect, you should speak to a birth defect lawyer to find out if you qualify to file a claim. To learn more, please contact us today.