Craniosynostosis in McKinney, TX
Welcoming a baby into the world should be a time for joy, however, for parents who find that their new child is affected by craniosynostosis, the celebration can quickly turn into a time of fear and uncertainty. Here at the International Craniofacial Institute, we have been serving families and children from the McKinney, TX area since 1971. With our top medical procedures and advanced technology, we have the ability to help children suffering from craniosynostosis and provide them with a bright, worry-free future.
What is Craniosynostosis?
When a baby is born, its skull is made up of separate bones that are connected by sutures, making childbirth and brain development possible. As time passes and the brain has a chance to develop, these bones fuse together to form a solid skull. During craniosynostosis, bones begin to fuse together prematurely, making it impossible for the skull and brain to grow and form normally.
Craniosynostosis can affect babies and children in only one suture line, or several lines may become fused together. When this happens, the brain is forced to grow around the fused area, causing an abnormally shaped skull. The development of the skull will depend on which sutures fuse prematurely.
What are the Categories of Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is divided into five categories depending on which sutures are involved. These categories are:
- Metopic Synostosis
- Coronal Synostosis
- Sagittal Synostosis
- Lambdoidal Synostosis
- Multiple Suture Synostosis
Craniosynostosis Treatment
Here at the International Craniofacial Institute we have a reputation for treating children with much success and care who suffer from craniosynostosis and other craniofacial conditions. We carefully evaluate each child, providing them with a treatment plan that is specially designed for their specific needs. During our examination, we study how the child’s underlying structures and functions, such as brain and facial skeleton have been affected by craniosynostosis, in addition to examining the central nervous system, the senses and parts of the spine. In some cases, these craniofacial conditions may have affected the facial skeleton, and we work to determine changes in the face’s soft tissues, the mouth and the top of the throat area called the pharynx. By determining the impact of the condition, we can begin treatment immediately and correct any damage done while preventing future problems.
If your child is suffering from craniosynostosis or another genetic condition, such as cleft lip or cleft palate, contact our staff at the International Craniofacial Institute to find out how we can help.