Craniosynostosis in University Park, TX
Craniosynostosis, a critical condition of the skull that can affect a child’s mental and physical development, needs to be promptly diagnosed and treated. The International Craniofacial Institute has been recognized as leaders in craniofacial conditions since 1971. The advances in the medical industry have been able to provide help for children affected by this condition in University Park, TX.
What Is Craniosynostosis?
Babies aren’t born with completely fused bones in their skulls. Rather, their skull is comprised of several bones that are connected by sutures. Normally, these sutures remain open, which allows the skull to expand. This allows for the brain growth that children experience as they age. Once the brain attains its full size, the bones will slowly grow and fuse together, resulting in a solid skill. Unfortunately, in some cases the sutures may close prematurely. When this happens, the skull and brain are restricted in their growth and craniosynostosis results.
Craniosynostosis can take place along either single or multiple suture lines. The difference between a normal skull shape and a skull affected by this condition depends on which sutures fused earlier than they should have. The condition restricts the growth of the brain in its normal direction. The brain will grow in the direction that offers the least resistance. If the normal path that it should take is restricted, the skull will be pushed into an abnormal shape.
What Are the Categories of Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is divided into five separate categories, which are designated by the different types of sutures involved in the treatment.
- Metopic Synostosis
- Coronal Synostosis
- Sagittal Synostosis
- Lambdoidal Synostosis
- Multiple Suture Synostosis
Craniosynostosis Treatment
There are several different factors that have to be taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan for a child who is born with a craniofacial condition. We determine what effect the craniofacial condition has had on the child’s underlying structures and functions. This includes the brain and facial skeleton, the senses, the central nervous system and the cervical vertebrae, which are parts of the spine. If a child’s facial skeleton is affected by the condition, we carefully determine how the changes have affected the soft tissues in the underlying face, mouth and the upper throat area, known as the pharynx. It’s critical to identify the effects the condition has on normal, critical body functions, which include breathing, swallowing and speaking. Treatment can begin more quickly when all of the effects are identified.
If your child or another family member is suffering from a syndrome due to genetics or has a cleft palate, cleft lip or a craniofacial disorder, the professional and caring staff at the International Craniofacial Institute can help your loved one get the help they need. Contact us, so our doctors and staff can help you understand your options and which treatment plan will be best for your child’s or family member’s needs.