Craniosteosis

Craniosteosis is an early infection of the seams of the bones of the skull.

Etiology. Unknown. Bone formation processes are disrupted.

Clinical picture. The disease manifests itself at an early age. Usually premature ossification does not capture all the seams of the cranial vault and the head continues to grow, assuming an unusual shape - elongated in the anteroposterior direction when the sagittal suture is overgrown, a tower or irregular shape. Premature closure of all the sutures leads to compression of the growing brain and increased intracranial pressure, which is manifested by paroxysmal headaches with predominant localization in the frontal and occipital areas. A child born with already closed seams of the skull, is restless, crying, sleeps badly, refuses to breast; Sometimes indomitable vomiting is noted. Cramps with loss of consciousness can be observed. Early stagnant changes are determined on the fundus, in the following - atrophy of the optic nerves. The radiographic picture of the skull is very characteristic: the bones of the arch are entirely covered with deep lacunae resembling the pronounced finger impressions.

Diagnosis. Differential diagnosis is carried out with microcephaly.

Forecast. Unfavorable in case of premature infestation of all the seams of the skull.

Treatment. Conservative. In severe cases, dissection of the bones of the cranial vault (craniotomy) is recommended.