Craniosynostosis Treatment in New York

If your baby has an unusual head shape or a possible diagnosis of craniosynostosis, you need answers from a team that understands the medical condition and the concerns families often experience. Families seeking New York craniosynostosis treatment can turn to Long Island Neurosurgical Associates (LINA) for comprehensive evaluation and treatment by a highly skilled pediatric neurosurgery and craniofacial team that specializes in childhood neurological and cranial conditions.

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more of the sutures in the skull. These are the natural joining lines between the skull bones. If the suture fuses too early, the skull may grow unevenly and the developing brain may not have enough room to grow normally.

Our team helps parents know what is going on, what treatments might be right for you, and what to do next. Depending on your child’s age, diagnosis and needs, care may include monitoring, imaging, helmet therapy after certain procedures, minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic suturectomy or open craniosynostosis surgery.

What is Craniosynostosis?

A baby’s skull consists of several plates of bone, joined by flexible joints called sutures. During growth in early childhood, these sutures usually remain open, so that the head and brain can grow properly. Craniosynostosis is when one or more of the sutures closes prematurely. The skull can also compensate for continued growth of the brain by expanding in areas where the sutures are still open, resulting in marked changes in head shape.

Craniosynostosis may be single-suture or multi-suture. The condition is isolated in some children and may be associated with a genetic syndrome in others.

The appearance of the head and the treatment plan depend on the type of fused suture.

Common head-shape patterns may include long and narrow, flat on one side, triangular-shaped forehead, uneven forehead or eyes, or ridge along the fused suture. It may be particularly prevalent in the region of the forehead and eye socket ( coronal synostosis ) . Other forms may involve the top , front or back of the skull .

Not all head shape problems are craniosynostosis. Some babies develop positional plagiocephaly or other changes in their head shape that don’t involve fused sutures . A specialist assessment can help to identify the difference and guide families to the right treatment approach.

Signs Parents Should Look For and When to See a Specialist

Parents are usually the first to see that there seems to be something different about the shape of their baby’s head. Concerns can also be identified by pediatricians during routine well-child visits. If your baby has: You may want to schedule an evaluation

An abnormally long, narrow, flat, pointed or uneven shaped head
A hard ridge on the skull
Slow or abnormal growth of the head
A forehead that looks uneven or sticks out
Asymmetry of face
Concerns of eye placement
Changes in head shape and development problems

Some children may not seem to be uncomfortable, whereas in more complicated cases, others may have symptoms associated with increased pressure inside the skull. Symptoms may include vomiting, irritability, poor feeding, changes in sleep, vision problems, headaches in older children or developmental delay.

It is important to seek specialist advice if a baby’s head shape seems to worsen, does not improve, or if there is a visible ridge or growth concern. Early assessment is important as some treatment options are best when started in the first months of life.

Early diagnosis can enable treatment of many infants using minimally invasive options. Older babies and children may still be offered treatment, but the surgical approach and timing are likely to be different.

Families also seek second opinions from Long Island Neurosurgical Associates. If you have already been diagnosed and want to better understand surgery recommendations, timing, risks, or expectations for recovery, our team can help explain the next steps.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

A complete physical exam starts an evaluation. The specialist will look at your child’s head shape, head measurements, development, symptoms and medical history.

Imaging studies may be recommended when craniosynostosis is suspected or the diagnosis not clear. Imaging helps to determine which suture has fused, how the skull is forming, and what treatment approach may be appropriate. Sometimes genetic work-up or referral to other pediatric specialists may also be considered.

On your visit families are told exactly what the diagnosis is, what the treatment options are, when to have treatment, and whether or not treatment is necessary.

A timely assessment can reduce uncertainty and help families understand better the need for treatment. It can also help in differentiating craniosynostosis from other head shape concerns in children that can require a different type of care.

Treatment Options for Kids and Infants

Not all kids are treated the same for craniosynostosis. The treatment plan is based on:

The age of your child
Which sutures are fused
Growth of the skull and shape of the head
Problems with brain growth and pressure
The expression of the condition as isolated or syndromic
Questions and goals for your family

Some mild or doubtful cases may require observation only. Surgery is indicated to release the fused suture, improve the shape of the skull and allow for normal growth of the brain.

Surgical options depend on the child’s diagnosis and anatomy. These may include minimally invasive endoscopic repair for younger infants or open craniosynostosis surgery for older children or more complex cases. Some children might also require cranial remolding helmet therapy following some procedures.