CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS TREATMENT
Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect that can affect a child’s brain and skull growth. This comprehensive guide will explain the nature of craniosynostosis, its causes, how it’s diagnosed, and the available non-surgical and surgical treatments.
What is Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which one or more of the fibrous joints between the bones of a baby’s skull (cranial sutures) close prematurely (fuse), before the brain is fully formed. Brain growth continues, giving the head a misshapen appearance. There are several types of craniosynostosis. Some involve a single cranial suture, while others involve more than one. The type of craniosynostosis often determines the shape of the head. Sometimes craniosynostosis is associated with an underlying genetic syndrome or condition.
Causes of Craniosynostosis
The exact cause of craniosynostosis is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It may be inherited or occur spontaneously. Some genetic disorders like Crouzon syndrome, Apert syndrome, and Pfeiffer syndrome, which involve other physical abnormalities, can cause craniosynostosis.
Diagnosing Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is usually diagnosed through a physical exam and medical history. Doctors can feel the sutures to determine which ones have closed. However, to confirm a diagnosis, doctors might use imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment for Craniosynostosis
The treatment of craniosynostosis depends on the severity of the condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments: Helmets or headbands are often used in milder cases where there’s minimal risk to brain development. These devices can help to reshape the baby’s head as they grow.
Surgical Treatments: In more severe cases, surgery is often necessary. There are two main types of surgery for craniosynostosis: open cranial vault reconstruction and endoscopic strip craniectomy.
In an open cranial vault reconstruction, a surgeon makes an incision across the top of the scalp and reshapes the affected portion of the skull. This procedure is typically performed when the child is a bit older.
Endoscopic strip craniectomy is a less invasive procedure typically done when the baby is younger (usually before three months of age). The surgeon removes the affected suture to allow the brain to grow normally. After surgery, the baby will wear a special helmet for several months to help reshape the skull.
Craniosynostosis is a serious condition that, left untreated, can lead to developmental problems due to increased pressure on the brain. However, with early detection and appropriate treatment, children with craniosynostosis can lead normal, healthy lives. This is an area where continuous medical research is taking place, with evolving surgical techniques providing safer and more efficient treatment options.
Why Choose Us?
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we have been providing top-quality neurosurgical treatment options for almost a decade under the guidance and leadership of Op. Dr. Özgür Akşan. Our team is comprised of highly experienced and skilled surgeons, including Dr. Özgür Akşan, Dr. Nail Özdemir, and Dr. Feryal Akşan, all of them having more than 20 years of experience in medicine.
We offer a wide range of treatment options for various neurosurgical conditions, including herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, cervical disc herniation, Chiari malformation, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Our team is highly skilled in performing advanced neurosurgical procedures, such as microsurgical discectomy, endoscopic discectomy, spinal fusion instrumentation, craniotomy, craniectomy, gamma-knife radiation therapy, and many more.
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we are committed to providing personalized care and tailored treatment plans for each patient based on their unique needs and medical history. Our clinic in Izmir is equipped with the latest technology and we are working with private hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest level of care for our patients.
Choose Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye for your neurosurgical needs and experience the expertise and care of our highly trained team of neurosurgeons, led by Dr. Özgür Akşan himself.