Fontanelle or simply soft spot1, this gap is the space the baby has between the bones of the skull, and it serves various purposes, such as acting as a spring during childbirth to facilitate passage through the birth canal, and, when the baby is still developing, it allows for the proper growth of the child’s brain. However, craniosynostosis occurs when this fontanelle closes prematurely, resulting in problems for the baby.
Normally, craniosynostosis2 starts to become apparent around 3 or 4 months of age, a period when the brain is still forming and expanding within the skull. The problems that craniosynostosis causes are all related to this brain expansion. Because the fontanelle closes too early, this space for the baby’s brain to grow becomes restricted, and the baby may develop some neurological problems with normal brain development. In addition to causing skull malformations, in more severe cases craniosynostosis can lead to compression of the brain, which may result in neurological injuries and pose significant risks to the child.
Craniosynostosis does not have a definitive single cause and may occur for various reasons, including the use of certain medications during pregnancy, genetic factors, malformation in the womb, or even an infection that mother and baby might have during the baby’s fetal development. The disease can be diagnosed through imaging exams such as magnetic resonance imaging and even a simple x-ray, but there is only one treatment option: surgery.
Closed Fontanelle Surgery
The procedure consists of the reconstruction of the baby’s skull. Fontanelle surgery creates space for the brain to grow and, although very invasive, delivers highly satisfactory results3. After surgery, the child is cured of craniosynostosis; plates are placed in the reconstruction of the head and any deformity, if present, becomes minimal—and most importantly, the brain compression is eliminated. The vast majority of cases are detected during a routine visit to the pediatrician responsible for follow-up care. If there is any suspicion the fontanelle has closed, the mother will be referred to a specialist, a pediatric neurologist, for more in-depth tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis. João, Lorena’s son, is about to undergo surgery: after being diagnosed with craniosynostosis, he has been referred for the procedure. See Lorena Lima’s testimony below.
“Since he was 2 months old the soft spot started to close gradually. But at 4 months we got the diagnosis that it had closed completely. We had to book an appointment with a neurologist and he ordered a 3D CT scan, and that was when we had confirmation. In João’s case, he will need to have surgery to reconstruct the skull so there’s space for the brain to develop. It’s not easy at all, knowing that he looks perfect, but we have to do the surgery to prevent further complications in the future. Every time I look at his little face and remember they will have to open his little head, I get desperate, but God is in control of everything because he is chosen!”
Craniosynostosis is easily diagnosed and the treatment is exclusively surgical, so let’s help João to have a normal life and fully recover from craniosynostosis.
Lorena Lima’s channel on YouTube Here
See also: Baby’s Fontanelle and Lumps on the Face
Photo: Travis Grathwell, PRO Kaushal Vaidya
