Unlike plagiocephaly caused by premature closure of the lambdoid suture, children with positional plagiocephaly have open sutures. Diagnosis of craniosynostosis is usually at birth or in early infancy, when a mishapened head is discovered. This is most easily noticed if the head is asymmetric or if there is ridging over the area of the affected suture. Some children with craniosynostosis, especially if multiple sutures are closed, can have symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. This can include vomiting, headache, irritability, lethargy, etc., but these symptoms are not commonly found.
Treatment depends on the timing of the diagnosis and which sutures are involved.
While the timing of surgery is controversial, most doctors prefer to do surgery when the child is 3-6 months old. Treatment also depends on the type of craniosynostosis. If required, early treatment leads to the best results. You should discuss with your specialist whether or not surgery is required, which surgery is needed, and the timing of the surgery. Our primary goal is to raise public and professional awareness through educating doctors, healthcare organizations, parents, and loved ones.