Seizures are rare in patients with craniosynostosis unless the intracranial pressure is elevated, and even then they are uncommon. Not all children require treatment, but in those in whom it is indicated it consists of surgical intervention. In simple cases of craniosynostosis the second indication is relatively rare. There are few if any exceptions to the rule that a child with a head of normal or near normal shape does not need surgery for craniosynostosis. A head that has not been recognized as abnormal in shape in the first 6 months of life will almost never require surgery.
Cosmetic abnormality is an important indication for surgery.
The cosmetic abnormality will usually get significantly worse with growth, and it may affect facial shape as well. Surgery is not required to prevent mental retardation, blindness, seizures or headaches in the vast majority of cases. No amount of surgical expertise can produce a perfect result. The aim of cosmetic surgery is to change the appearance from one that attracts unfavorable attention to one that does not attract attention. General anesthesia has risks.