Craniosynostosis and Development

It is not uncommon for newborn babies to have slight imperfections in their heads. Most of the time these imperfections will fix themselves over time or once the baby begins to develop. However, sometimes a more serious diagnosis, like craniosynostosis, will require medical interventions. Craniosynostosis is a condition where a baby’s skull begins to fuse together too early at birth or shortly after. If left untreated, craniosynostosis can affect brain development.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss craniosynostosis in newborns

In this episode, Brooke French, MD, and Allyson Alexander, MD, join us to discuss craniosynostosis, other defects of the skull and treatment options.

Dr. French is the co-director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery Programs and the Director of the Cosmetic Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Dr. Allyson is a pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s Colorado and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• The clinical diagnosis of craniosynostosis
• Two types of craniosynostosis: single-suture and multi-suture
• Genetic causes of multi-suture craniosynostosis
• Risk of hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure
• 3D imaging and when to use low-dose radiation CT scans
• Helmeting for deformational plagiocephaly
• Surgical recommendations and timing for craniosynostosis

The Craniofacial Program at Children’s Colorado

The Craniofacial Program provides diagnosis and long-term management for children with congenital and acquired craniofacial abnormalities of the head, face and neck. The craniofacial team meets weekly in our outpatient clinic to consult with patients and their families. An appointment in this program is the first step to determining the necessary treatment for children.