Brachycephaly: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Brachycephaly | |||
| image = [[File:Carpenter_Syndrome_3.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A child with brachycephaly | |||
| field = [[Medical genetics]] | |||
| synonyms = Flat head syndrome | |||
| symptoms = Flattened back of the skull | |||
| complications = [[Developmental delay]], [[plagiocephaly]] | |||
| onset = [[Infancy]] | |||
| duration = Varies | |||
| causes = [[Premature closure of the coronal sutures]], [[positional plagiocephaly]] | |||
| risks = [[Premature birth]], [[multiple births]], [[torticollis]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = [[Plagiocephaly]], [[craniosynostosis]] | |||
| prevention = [[Repositioning therapy]], [[tummy time]] | |||
| treatment = [[Helmet therapy]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
== Brachycephaly == | == Brachycephaly == | ||
[[File:PSM V52 D333 Brachycephalic and dolichocephalic types from the coast of zeeland.jpg|left|thumb|Diagram illustrating a brachycephalic skull compared to other skull shapes]] | |||
[[File:PSM V52 D333 Brachycephalic and dolichocephalic types from the coast of zeeland.jpg|thumb|Diagram illustrating a brachycephalic skull compared to other skull shapes]] | |||
Brachycephaly refers to the condition of having a short, broad head, characterized by a flattened posterior region. The term derives from the Greek words "brachys" meaning "short" and "kephale" meaning "head." Brachycephalic skull shape can be a natural anatomical variation but can also result from certain medical conditions or external pressures on the skull during developmental stages. | Brachycephaly refers to the condition of having a short, broad head, characterized by a flattened posterior region. The term derives from the Greek words "brachys" meaning "short" and "kephale" meaning "head." Brachycephalic skull shape can be a natural anatomical variation but can also result from certain medical conditions or external pressures on the skull during developmental stages. | ||
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== Characteristics == | == Characteristics == | ||
Brachycephaly is typically marked by: | Brachycephaly is typically marked by: | ||
* A shortened anteroposterior diameter of the skull. | * A shortened anteroposterior diameter of the skull. | ||
* Increased width of the skull. | * Increased width of the skull. | ||
* Flattened occipital region (back of the head). | * Flattened occipital region (back of the head). | ||
== Causes and Types == | == Causes and Types == | ||
Brachycephaly can manifest in various forms, often based on the root cause: | Brachycephaly can manifest in various forms, often based on the root cause: | ||
* '''Primary Brachycephaly''': A congenital condition, often resulting from premature fusion of the coronal sutures, known as [[craniosynostosis]]. | * '''Primary Brachycephaly''': A congenital condition, often resulting from premature fusion of the coronal sutures, known as [[craniosynostosis]]. | ||
* '''Positional or Deformational Brachycephaly''': Occurs when an infant frequently rests on one part of the head, leading to a flat spot. It is usually temporary and can be rectified with changes in positioning. | * '''Positional or Deformational Brachycephaly''': Occurs when an infant frequently rests on one part of the head, leading to a flat spot. It is usually temporary and can be rectified with changes in positioning. | ||
* '''Brachycephaly in Pets''': Some animal breeds, like the Pug or Persian cat, naturally have brachycephalic skulls. This trait can sometimes lead to health issues, such as breathing difficulties. | * '''Brachycephaly in Pets''': Some animal breeds, like the Pug or Persian cat, naturally have brachycephalic skulls. This trait can sometimes lead to health issues, such as breathing difficulties. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment approaches depend on the cause and severity of the condition: | Treatment approaches depend on the cause and severity of the condition: | ||
* '''Positional Brachycephaly''': Often managed by repositioning the infant, utilizing specialized pillows, and encouraging tummy time. | * '''Positional Brachycephaly''': Often managed by repositioning the infant, utilizing specialized pillows, and encouraging tummy time. | ||
* '''Craniosynostosis''': Requires surgical intervention to prevent complications and promote normal brain development. | * '''Craniosynostosis''': Requires surgical intervention to prevent complications and promote normal brain development. | ||
== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
In severe cases, if untreated, brachycephaly can lead to: | In severe cases, if untreated, brachycephaly can lead to: | ||
* Pressure on the brain. | * Pressure on the brain. | ||
* Facial deformities. | * Facial deformities. | ||
* Cognitive and developmental delays. | * Cognitive and developmental delays. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Craniosynostosis]] | * [[Craniosynostosis]] | ||
* [[Plagiocephaly]] | * [[Plagiocephaly]] | ||
* [[Scaphocephaly]] | * [[Scaphocephaly]] | ||
* [[Dolichocephaly]] | * [[Dolichocephaly]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
* Harris, J. & Stewart, R. (2014). ''Brachycephaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments''. Journal of Craniofacial Research. | * Harris, J. & Stewart, R. (2014). ''Brachycephaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments''. Journal of Craniofacial Research. | ||
* Thompson, M. (2017). ''Positional Skull Deformities in Infants''. Pediatric Insights. | * Thompson, M. (2017). ''Positional Skull Deformities in Infants''. Pediatric Insights. | ||
[[Category: Medical Conditions]] | [[Category: Medical Conditions]] | ||
[[Category: Skull Shapes]] | [[Category: Skull Shapes]] | ||
[[Category: Pediatric Medicine]] | [[Category: Pediatric Medicine]] | ||
{{stb}} | {{stb}} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:28, 4 April 2025

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| Brachycephaly | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Flat head syndrome |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Flattened back of the skull |
| Complications | Developmental delay, plagiocephaly |
| Onset | Infancy |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Premature closure of the coronal sutures, positional plagiocephaly |
| Risks | Premature birth, multiple births, torticollis |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Plagiocephaly, craniosynostosis |
| Prevention | Repositioning therapy, tummy time |
| Treatment | Helmet therapy, physical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Brachycephaly[edit]

Brachycephaly refers to the condition of having a short, broad head, characterized by a flattened posterior region. The term derives from the Greek words "brachys" meaning "short" and "kephale" meaning "head." Brachycephalic skull shape can be a natural anatomical variation but can also result from certain medical conditions or external pressures on the skull during developmental stages.
Characteristics[edit]
Brachycephaly is typically marked by:
- A shortened anteroposterior diameter of the skull.
- Increased width of the skull.
- Flattened occipital region (back of the head).
Causes and Types[edit]
Brachycephaly can manifest in various forms, often based on the root cause:
- Primary Brachycephaly: A congenital condition, often resulting from premature fusion of the coronal sutures, known as craniosynostosis.
- Positional or Deformational Brachycephaly: Occurs when an infant frequently rests on one part of the head, leading to a flat spot. It is usually temporary and can be rectified with changes in positioning.
- Brachycephaly in Pets: Some animal breeds, like the Pug or Persian cat, naturally have brachycephalic skulls. This trait can sometimes lead to health issues, such as breathing difficulties.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment approaches depend on the cause and severity of the condition:
- Positional Brachycephaly: Often managed by repositioning the infant, utilizing specialized pillows, and encouraging tummy time.
- Craniosynostosis: Requires surgical intervention to prevent complications and promote normal brain development.
Complications[edit]
In severe cases, if untreated, brachycephaly can lead to:
- Pressure on the brain.
- Facial deformities.
- Cognitive and developmental delays.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references/>
- Harris, J. & Stewart, R. (2014). Brachycephaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Journal of Craniofacial Research.
- Thompson, M. (2017). Positional Skull Deformities in Infants. Pediatric Insights.
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