Head Malformations Flashcards
What is primary microcephaly?
Presence of a genetic or chromosomal conditions.
What is the major influence of head size?
Brain growth
Secondary microcephalic
Due to infections-pre and postnatal. Must differentiate from craniosynostosis.
If an infant has a normal head size at birth and develops a small OFC suggests what?
Secondary etiology
Does neuroimaging help identify etiologies?
Yes, CT or MRI
What is the usual reason for macrocephaly?
Excess CSF, excessive brain tissue, thickening of the skull, or subdural or epidural bleed.
What is a clue for inborn or acquired disorders?
Macrocephaly plus other findings.
What is a common cause of benign macrocephaly?
Enlargement of the subdural space.
Is there is a sex bias to benign macrocephaly?
Yes, male
What is a common etiology of benign macrocephaly?
Genetic
What is the definition of plagiocephaly?
Asymmetric.head growth.
When do most sutures close?
12 - 24 months
When do sutures ossify?
8 years
When does full fusion take place?
Early adulthood
If a single suture is involved it usually involves which suture?
Saggital in 50%
What is the prevalence of only 1 suture plagiocephaly and ethnicity?
0.1% and 85% are Caucasian.
What are the most common single sutures that are found in plagiocephaly?
Saggital in 50% then coronal and metopic.
Posterior plagiocephaly is mostly due to what?
Supine sleeping
If > 1 suture is involved what is the most likely etiology?
A genetic disorder
If a posterior suture closure is really due craniosynostosis what would be the most common finding?
The ear over the synostosis would be displaced downward and backward.
When is helmet therapy most effective?
Before 6 months.
When is the best time for surgery for craniosynostosis?
6 - 12 months
