What serious effects will delayed fontanel closure have on the baby?
Fontanelles are plates of cartilage on the top of a newborn\’s head that allow a newborn\’s head to deform and fit into the birth canal during delivery. Over time, the fontanelles gradually close to protect the baby\’s brain. However, when fontanelles close too late, there can be a range of potential effects and health problems. In this article, we will discuss four serious effects that delayed fontanelle closure can have on a baby.
Impact 1: Increased head circumference
One obvious effect is an increase in head circumference. If the fontanel closes too late, the skull cannot be connected in time, leaving a soft area in the skull, which in turn leads to an increase in head circumference. In severe cases, delayed closure of the fontanelles can lead to increased pressure on the brain, causing hydrocephalus and intellectual impairment. In addition, an excessively large head circumference may hinder smooth labor at birth and increase the risk of dystocia. Therefore, if your child\’s head circumference is found to be abnormally enlarged, he should be examined as soon as possible.
Impact 2: Skull deformity
Delayed fontanel closure may lead to cranial malformation, an abnormal shape of the skull, which may have adverse cosmetic and functional consequences as the baby grows. If the problem worsens, your child may need surgery to correct it. Moreover, skull deformities may interfere with normal brain development and affect intellectual and behavioral development. Therefore, parents should pay attention to the shape of their children\’s heads at all times, and consult a doctor promptly if they find any skull deformity.
Impact 3: Neurodevelopmental disorders
Delayed closure of fontanelles may also lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. In fact, fontanelles provide a pathway for the flow of large amounts of cerebrospinal fluid, allowing the brain and spine to communicate with other parts of the body. If the fontanel fails to close in time, it may interfere with the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. Strictly speaking, this developmental disorder may affect aspects such as mood, learning, and behavioral abilities.
Impact 4: Epilepsy and cerebral palsy
Early closure of fontanels is also associated with the development of epilepsy or cerebral palsy. Epilepsy is a cranial nerve disease that occurs during childhood. Early closure of the fontanel may affect the normal development of the brain and may therefore become a risk factor for epilepsy. Similarly, early fontanel closure is associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy. It should be noted that for patients with cerebral palsy, even if there is delayed closure of the fontanel, it does not mean that the risk of epilepsy will increase.
Conclusion
Fontanelle is a unique physiological structure of infants and young children, which affects brain health and overall health in all aspects. When delayed closure occurs, the impact should not be ignored. Therefore, ensuring timely check-ups and medical advice are key to ensuring healthy development of young children. If parents notice any abnormal symptoms, they should consult a doctor immediately for further diagnosis and treatment.
