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NINDS Craniosynostosis Reviewed 07-01-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Craniosynostosis?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations What is Craniosynostosis? Craniosynostosis is a congenital anomaly characterized by premature closure—before the completion of brain growth—of one or more cranial sutures (the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull). The disorder results in an abnormality of the shape of the skull. The condition may be familial; a result of a chromosomal or genetic abnormality; or it may occur sporadically, with no other affected relatives. Some cases are associated with disorders such as microcephaly (abnormally small head) and hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain). The first sign is an abnormal head shape. Other symptoms, which include increased intracranial pressure, developmental delay, and mental retardation, may be caused by constriction of the growing brain. Seizures and blindness may also occur. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
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