What doctor treats craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis requires evaluation by specialists, such as a pediatric neurosurgeon or a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Diagnosis of craniosynostosis may include: Physical exam.

Who performs craniosynostosis surgery?

A strip craniectomy is typically performed in conjunction with a pediatric neurosurgeon. The procedure generally takes approximately two to three hours. After surgery, your child will stay at the hospital for recovery and follow-up care.

Can a pediatrician diagnose craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that can be diagnosed with a physical exam. You may want to watch out for any abnormalities in your baby's head and reach out to your pediatrician if you are concerned about craniosynostosis.

Is craniosynostosis covered by insurance?

Surgery for craniosynostosis is a reconstructive procedure and therefore is usually paid for by health insurance. While this procedure often has cosmetic benefits, these are considered secondary to the need to create extra space for the growing brain.

Where do I refer to craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis and its treatment | Boston Children’s Hospital

Who can diagnose craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis requires evaluation by specialists, such as a pediatric neurosurgeon or a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Diagnosis of craniosynostosis may include: Physical exam.

What doctor specializes in skulls?

Craniofacial Surgeon: A plastic surgeon who specializes in repairing or reshaping the face and skull. Oncologist: A doctor specializing in the medical therapies of cancer.

How much does a cranial helmet cost?

Helmets to treat flattened skulls range in price from $1,300 to $3,000, and parents are told to make sure infants wear them around the clock. Dr.

How much does it cost for craniosynostosis surgery?

One-year median costs were $55,121 for CVR and $23,377 for EAS. Early clinical results were similar for the 2 groups. Conclusions: Cranial vault remodeling was more costly in the first year of treatment than EAS, although indirect patient costs were similar.

Is craniosynostosis a major surgery?

All centers still offer traditional surgery, particularly for babies who are diagnosed at later ages or babies who have particular types of craniosynostosis with more extensive deformities. The surgery is immensely safer than it was in previous decades, but it is a longer overall procedure — it can take six hours.

At what age is craniosynostosis usually diagnosed?

Slight imperfections in your baby's head are normal, especially in the first month after birth. But as your baby grows, a misshapen head could be a sign of something else. The earlier you can get a diagnosis—ideally, before the age of 6 months—the more effective treatment can be.

Does craniosynostosis get worse with age?

The deformity usually gets even more noticeable over time. The head shape depends on the location of the fused skull suture. For example, in the most common type, sagittal synostosis, the skull becomes long and narrow with a broad forehead and a pointy shape in the back.

Is craniosynostosis painful for baby?

In general, craniosynostosis is not a painful condition. However, if there is increased pressure on the brain, it can cause: Abnormalities affecting the face and hands. Headaches.

What is the success rate of craniosynostosis surgery?

The data support this: in 2020 alone, more than 50 craniosynostosis procedures have been performed, with a success rate of 99%, relatively fast recovery times, and hardly any complications.

What happens if you don't fix craniosynostosis?

Sometimes, if the condition is not treated, the build-up of pressure in the baby's skull can lead to problems, such as blindness, seizures, or brain damage.

How long does it take to recovery from craniosynostosis surgery?

The bones will be healed 6 weeks after surgery but trauma to the head should be avoided. Parents sometimes notice small areas of swelling 8-12 months after surgery as the plates begin to dissolve. Patients undergoing surgery for craniosynostosis are typically seen annually by their surgeons until they are done growing.

How Safe Is surgery for craniosynostosis?

The surgery is very safe and produces excellent results. There are several surgical options for treating craniosynostosis, depending on which type it is. It's usually best to perform surgery at just a few weeks to a few months of age, since the skull bones are the softest and most malleable then.

Does craniosynostosis cause mental retardation?

Chi-square analysis showed no significant differences between rates of retardation or learning disorders based on surgical status. Conclusions: Most children with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis obtain developmental quotients within the normal range in infancy.

Can craniosynostosis come back after surgery?

Re-synostosis after standard surgical procedures for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is a rare event, which can occur at the same suture or rarely in adjacent sutures.

Does insurance cover cranial helmets?

Cranial helmets are considered "Durable Medical Equipment " and can absolutely be covered by insurance! Your insurance company typically wants to make sure that a helmet is medically necessary before they will cover the device.

How long does it take for a baby to get used to a helmet?

It will take 1-2 weeks for them to acclimate to the helmet — keep them cool & comfortable. I have to say the most stressful part of having a baby in a helmet is temperature regulation.

How long does helmet therapy take?

Duration of treatment can vary based on your baby's needs, but average treatment is 3 months. Helmet therapy is also known as cranial orthosis.

Is craniosynostosis rare?

Craniosynostosis is common and occurs in one out of 2,200 live births. The condition affects males slightly more often than females. Craniosynostosis is most often sporadic (occurs by chance) but can be inherited in some families.

How is craniosynostosis treated?

Craniosynostosis is treated by surgery that opens the fused sutures. This creates space for brain growth. A variety of surgeries may be used. The surgeon will discuss the craniosynostosis treatment options available for your child.

Does craniosynostosis always need surgery?

Craniosynostosis is a rare condition where a baby's skull does not grow properly and their head becomes an unusual shape. It does not always need to be treated, but may need surgery in some cases.