Cranial abnormalities

Question 1

What is plagiocephaly

Answer 1

Flattening of one area of the baby’s head.

Question 2

What is brachycephaly

Answer 2

Flattening of the back of the head - resulting in a short head from back to front

Question 3

What can cause plagio or brachycephaly

Answer 3

Occur when a baby has a tendency to rest their head on a particular point, resulting in skull bones and sutures moulding with gravity to create abnormal head shape.

Question 4

Presentation of plagio- or brachy- cephaly

Answer 4

3-6 months with abnormal head shape. History of prefering to sleep on one side of their head

Question 5

Differentials of abnormal head shape

Answer 5

Exclude craniosynotosis.

Question 6

What is congenital muscular torticollis

Answer 6

Shortening of the SCM muscle on one side which may be the reason why a child rests on one side resulting in abnormal head shape

Question 7

What is craniosynotosis

Answer 7

Skull sutures close prematurely which results in abnormal head shape and restriction to the growth of brain

Question 8

Investigations into craniosynotosis

Answer 8

Cranial XR, child may have anterior fontanelle closure before 1 year of age and small head in proportion to body.

Question 9

Management of craniosynotosis

Answer 9

Monitored and followed up but severe cases require surgery