Scaphocephaly
Scaphocephaly
Scaphocephaly (pronounced skaf-oh-SEF-uh-lee) is a medical condition characterized by the elongation of the skull due to premature fusion of the sagittal suture, the fibrous joint that runs along the top of the skull. The term is derived from the Greek words skaphe, meaning "light boat or skiff", and kephale, meaning "head".
Causes
Scaphocephaly is most commonly caused by a condition known as craniosynostosis, which is the premature fusion of one or more of the sutures in an infant's skull. This can occur as a result of genetic factors, certain metabolic diseases, or environmental influences.
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of scaphocephaly is the elongated, boat-like shape of the head. Other symptoms can include developmental delays, increased intracranial pressure, and in severe cases, visual impairment or hearing loss.
Treatment
Treatment for scaphocephaly typically involves surgery to separate the fused sutures and reshape the skull. This is usually performed in the first year of life. Post-surgery, the child may need to wear a custom-fitted helmet to help shape the skull as it grows.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Scaphocephaly
- Wikipedia's article - Scaphocephaly
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