The lambdoid suture runs along the backside of the head.
When it fuses, the back of the head appears flattened.
Sutures normally remain open and flexible until your childs second birthday.
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This allows the brain room to grow and develop.
In craniosynostosis, one or more of the sutures fuse prematurely.
This causes the skull and head to grow into a misshapen form.
It may also lead to increased pressure on thebrain.
You may also observe that your babys ear and forehead on the affected side look like theyre pulling backward.
This gives the head a trapezoid-shaped appearance.
The ear on the affected side may also look lower than the ear on the unaffected side.
This condition is known as positional plagiocephaly.
This benign condition does not affect brain growth and does not require surgical treatment.
Your doctor may also order imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis.
Your doctor will also take time to distinguish your childs symptoms from positional plagiocephaly.
Your doctor may then recommend a CT scan of your childs head.
ACT scanwith three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is considered the most accurate way to diagnose lambdoid craniosynostosis.
This test can show your childs lambdoid suture and any abnormalities in the brain.
Rarely, craniosynostosis presents as part of a genetic disorder.
If your doctor suspects thats the case, they will order additional tests and may recommendgenetic testingfor the family.
Treatment
Lambdoid craniosynostosis needs to be treated with surgery.
The goal of surgery is to correct the shape of the head to allow the brain to grow normally.
There are two types of surgery available to treat lambdoid craniosynostosis.
Your doctor will discuss both options with you to determine the best one for your child.
This surgery can take up to six hours to perform and may require ablood transfusiondue to blood loss.
Babies who undergo this jot down of surgery do not have to wear a molding helmet afterward.
Timeline
Lambdoid craniosynostosis may be diagnosed at birth or during your childs first year of life.
Treatment will depend on your childs age at diagnosis and how severe the skull malformation is.
When left untreated, its possible for a child to experienceincreased intracranial pressure.
This takes place if the pressure inside the skull increases and affects the brain.
Finding ways to cope is essential for parents and caregivers.
You may also want to bring a pen and paper with you to take notes.
Ask your medical team who you could call with questions in between appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is usually considered a random birth defect and does not have a known cause.
Researchers believe it is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Rarely, craniosynostosis is resulting from a genetic disorder.
Who is at risk of craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a common birth defect, and the exact cause of the condition is not yet understood.
If you are concerned about your risk factors, talk with your obstetrician.
How common is craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a relatively common birth defect, affecting about one in every 2,500 live births.
What should you expect after lambdoid craniosynostosis surgery?
After undergoing surgery for lambdoid craniosynostosis, your child will stay in the hospital.
Most babies spend one night in the intensive care unit and are then moved to a regular hospital room.
After endoscopic craniosynostosis surgery, your child will need to wear a helmet for several months.
This condition is treatable with surgery and close follow-up with your childs medical team.
Hearing that your child has a birth defect that requires surgery is scary and overwhelming for any parent.
Its helpful to remember that the condition is treatable.
Always talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns.
You may find it helpful to connect with a local support group or online community.
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