Craniosynostosis in Allen, TX

As a condition that affects the skull, craniosynostosis can have a significant impact on the future development of your child. The International Craniofacial Institute has been recognized as a world leader in craniofacial conditions since 1971, and its team of medical professionals is on the cutting edge of medical technology that provides high success rates for children who suffer from craniosynostosis in Allen, TX.

What Is Craniosynostosis?

At birth, the skull is made up of separate bones that are connected with sutures. The sutures remain open so that the skull can expand, allowing the brain to grow. When the brain reaches its full size, the sutures close, fusing the pieces of the skull together. If any or all of the sutures close too soon, the brain cannot grow, and the skull cannot form as normal, which causes craniosynostosis.

This condition can happen with just one type of suture line or with several. The degree of variance from normal skull development will depend on which suture or sutures fuse early. Since brain growth occurs in the direction of least resistance, the skull bones will be pushed into an irregular shape.

What Are the Categories of Craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is divided into five categories that are designated according to the sutures that are involved:

• coronal synostosis
• lambdoidal synostosis
• metopic synostosis
• multiple suture synostosis
• sagittal synostosis

Craniosynostosis Treatment

When a baby is born with a craniofacial abnormality, we assess several factors so that we can create the most effective course of treatment. We will determine how the condition has impacted the underlying functions and structures of your child, which include the brain and face, central nervous system, cervical vertebrae or parts of the spine and senses.

If your child’s face is affected, we will carefully analyze the resulting changes in the soft tissues, as well as changes in the mouth and top of the throat, which is called the pharynx. It is vital that we quickly discover how the condition is impacting your child’s normal, but critical activities, such as breathing, speaking and swallowing so that we can begin the appropriate treatment in a timely manner to prevent further complications.

If you live in Allen, TX, and have a child or relative who suffers from a cleft lip or palate, craniofacial complication or genetic syndrome, the International Craniofacial Institute staff can help. Contact us to find out more about your options.