Craniosynostosis is a condition that occurs when the sutures in an infant's skull - soft tissue that holds the separate plates of the skull together – close too early, before the baby’s brain has had a chance to grow. This can limit the growth of the baby’s brain. If one or two of the sutures closes it may cause the head to appear misshapen, the eyes to be asymmetrical or an oddly shaped forehead. Other symptoms might include the lack of a “soft spot” on the baby’s skull, a raised, firm edge under the skin of the head or slow growth of the baby’s head over time.
Pediatricians cannot always diagnose craniosynostosis during a routine physical exam. If there are concerns that a baby has an abnormal head shape, additional testing, including imaging, is needed to get a better understanding of the baby’s unique care needs. Most often craniosynostosis requires surgery, performed when a baby is between 4 and 8 months old.