Craniofacial abnormality

Craniofacial Abnormality

Craniofacial abnormality (pronunciation: kray-nee-oh-fey-shuhl ab-nor-mal-ity) is a medical term referring to an abnormality in the structure of the face and skull. The term is derived from the Latin words cranium (meaning skull) and facies (meaning face), and the English word abnormality (meaning deviation from the norm).

Definition

A Craniofacial abnormality is a deformity or irregularity in the shape or configuration of the skull and face. This can be due to a variety of causes, including genetic conditions, injuries, or diseases. These abnormalities can affect the shape of the face, the size and shape of the skull, and the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

Types of Craniofacial Abnormalities

There are many different types of craniofacial abnormalities, including:

• Craniosynostosis: This is a condition in which the sutures (joints) between the bones of the skull close prematurely, before the brain has finished growing.
• Cleft lip and cleft palate: These are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate) or both.
• Hemifacial microsomia: This is a condition in which the lower half of one side of the face is underdeveloped and does not grow normally.
• Treacher Collins syndrome: This is a genetic disorder characterized by deformities of the ears, eyes, cheekbones, and chin.

Causes

The causes of craniofacial abnormalities can be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. Some conditions are inherited, while others may be caused by exposure to certain drugs or chemicals during pregnancy, or by infections or injuries.

Treatment

Treatment for craniofacial abnormalities depends on the type and severity of the abnormality. It may include surgery, physical therapy, speech therapy, and other interventions. The goal of treatment is to improve function and appearance, and to help the individual lead a normal life.

See Also

• Craniofacial surgery
• Pediatric plastic surgery
• Genetic disorders
• Congenital disorders

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Craniofacial abnormality
• Wikipedia's article - Craniofacial abnormality

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