Your skull is made up of several sections of bone that fit together. These sections are held together by strong, elastic tissues called sutures. In babies, the sutures should remain flexible to allow easy passage through the birth canal and for growth of the brain. When one or more sutures fuse early, this is called craniosynostosis.

Babies with craniosynostosis usually have an abnormally shaped head. In most cases there are no other symptoms. A paediatrician can usually diagnose this condition by visually examining your baby’s head. An x-ray or CT scan may also be recommended to further confirm the diagnosis.

The timing of surgery to correct craniosynostosis will depend on your child’s own medical situation. You may be referred to a craniofacial reconstruction expert who can advise you on the timing of this procedure.