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Syndromes in Dallas, TX

At the International Craniofacial Institute in Dallas, Texas, your syndrome is as important to us as it is to you. You will not only find help here, you will find support. We treat every patient and every need with compassionate care – each as a member of our own family, each unconditionally a patient for life.

What Are Craniofacial Syndromes?

Craniofacial (cranio=head/skull; facial=face) syndromes vary considerably in type, level of severity and physical symptoms. Syndromes always include a cluster of symptoms, most often affecting the form, function and, appearance of the head, face, and neck region. Differences may be found in other areas of the body as well.

Craniofacial syndromes may include various craniofacial conditions. (A craniofacial condition may be part of a syndrome or may occur separately from a syndrome.) A syndrome is defined as a group of symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality.

When Is the Right Time to Make a Diagnosis of Craniofacial Syndromes?

Craniofacial disorders are sometimes obvious from birth, but in some cases, they may not be noticeable until the baby grows, and its head develops further. Because the fastest growth occurs in a child’s first year, it’s important to diagnose and treat these problems as soon as possible.

Many craniofacial conditions are so severe and apparent that they can be diagnosed simply by looking at the child. In certain situations, a CT scan may be necessary to ascertain the condition. However, radiological testing won’t always provide enough information to diagnose the problem accurately. When this occurs, it’s often recommended to wait several weeks, or sometimes months, to see if and how the condition develops further. It is often much easier to diagnose the issue at this point and come up with a viable treatment plan.

Diagnosis of Craniofacial Syndrome

Children born with deformities of the head or face require a complete examination by a neurologist or pediatrician in order to discover the cause:

The doctor will give your child a thorough examination and ask you for your full family medical history.
The doctor may also need to acquire radiological images of your child’s face and brain. If any craniofacial issues fail to show up on imaging scans, it may be necessary to seek a consultation with a neurologist to discuss the best course of treatment.

Types of Syndromes

What Is a Craniofacial Disorder?

Craniofacial disorders are characterized by structural or other abnormalities involving the head and face. These are often caused by improper development of the skull and soft tissues of the head due to injury, birth defects, or a disease. In many cases, craniofacial disorders are disfiguring. They may also result in neurological and psychological impairments if left untreated.

Why Choose International Craniofacial Institute?

The International Craniofacial Institute in Dallas, Texas is a leading institute for the accurate diagnosis and quality treatment of craniofacial syndromes and conditions. Our institute was founded in 1971 by Dr. Kenneth Salyer, a surgeon. Today, the institute is organized and led by the director, Dr. David G. Genecov. Dr. Genecov operates the International Craniofacial Institute as one of the nation’s most prestigious centers for palate repair, craniofacial repair, and cleft lip repair.

At our institute, we train doctors and surgeons from all over the world. In addition, our doctors have treated more than 17,000 patients. These patients come from the United States, as well as various other countries.

To alter and correct craniofacial abnormalities and difficulties, a high skill set is demanded, and we have that here. Our doctors, surgeons, and the rest of the staff are extremely knowledgeable and always up to date on the newest methods of diagnosis and treatment. Among all of our employees, we have decades of experience working with different syndromes.

If you have a child or another family member who is suffering from a genetic syndrome or has a cleft lip, cleft palate, or craniofacial complication, the staff at the International Craniofacial Institute can help. Contact us today to talk with the doctors and staff about your options and how we can help.