Craniosyntosis

What Is Craniosyntosis?

The skull consists of several plates of bone that are separated by sutures. As infants grow and develop, the sutures close, forming the skull. Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the sutures close too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth.

Premature closure of the sutures may also cause the pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull or facial bones to change from a normal, symmetrical appearance.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Craniosyntosis

An expert medical team will work with you to develop a specialized treatment plan and to provide education and guidance throughout your child’s life. Specific treatment for craniosynostosis will vary based on the condition, but most children require surgery.

The optimal time to perform surgery is before the child is 1 year of age, though it may be necessary at a much earlier age depending upon the severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure in the head and correct the deformities of the face and skull bones.

A child with craniosynostosis requires frequent medical evaluations to ensure that the skull, facial bones, and brain are developing normally.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine is a world-class medical center and leading academic institution. Our providers offer outstanding patient-centered care and conduct breakthrough research in neurology.

Highly specialized newborn care is provided in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Our NICU is a Level IV care facility and treats all neonatal medical and surgical problems, including advanced therapy for cardiac and pulmonary diseases, such as cardiac surgery and ECMO.

UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital's Neonatology program has been recognized as one of the nation's best in the U.S. News & World Report's Best Children's Hospital rankings.