This is caused by premature closure of the coronal suture on both sides of the head. Oxycephaly refers to a pointed skull. Turricephaly refers to a very high or towerlike skull with a vertical forehead. Primary craniosynostosis may involve one or two sutures in otherwise normal individuals or be part of a recognized syndrome. Secondary craniosynostosis occurs in response to absent or reduced growth of the brain.
Physical examination is usually sufficient to diagnose craniosynostosis.
There is usually a bony prominence over the suture that has closed prematurely. Plain x-rays demonstrate a lack of normal decrease in bony substance in the center of the suture. Gentle but firm pressure with the thumbs fails to cause relative movement of bones on either side of the suture. Headache is a rare complaint. Visual symptoms such as drooping eyelids, double vision, visual loss are quite uncommon.