Craniotabes is a condition where the bones of the skull become soft or thin, often found in premature babies. It is not dangerous and usually heals on its own, but if it accompanies other conditions, treatment may be necessary. Osteogenesis imperfecta and rickets are two such conditions that affect bone strength and require specific treatment.
Craniotabes, also known as congenital cranial osteoporosis, is a medical condition in which the bones of the skull become soft or thin. The condition is not unusual and is normally found in about a third of all babies, especially those born prematurely. Unless craniotabes occurs in association with some other disease, the condition is not considered dangerous, as it will eventually heal. If a child has other illnesses, the doctor will likely opt for treatment related to that specific condition.
The symptoms a child might have craniotabes revolve around the bones showing softness. For example, your baby’s bones or skull may feel soft, particularly around the suture lines. This softness makes the area flexible, meaning it can pop in and out when pressed. Also, the area may be thin.
Craniotabes could be determined during a checkup of the healthy child. A healthy baby checkup is a visit to the doctor to make sure your baby is growing well. During your visit, your doctor will perform a physical exam of your child’s development. Examples of what your doctor might look at are how much your baby weighs or if your baby can hear. It is during this exam that your doctor may notice that your child has craniotabe.
Your doctor may do nothing about the condition. This is because the condition usually clears up on its own by the time the baby is 1 month old. If it doesn’t heal, or if it accompanies other specific conditions, such as osteogenesis imperfecta or rickets, your doctor may take steps to ensure the best treatment for your child.
Osteogenesis imperfecta, otherwise known as brittle bone disease, is a congenital disease which means that an individual has brittle bones. When an individual has this condition, their bones may break easily. His quality of life depends on the severity of his condition. There is no cure for osteogenesis imperfecta, but treatment options are available, such as exercise, surgery, and therapy.
Rickets is a disorder in which an individual exhibits soft or weak bones due to a lack of calcium, phosphate, or vitamin D. Infants do not normally get rickets, but if found in children, the medical condition can affect how the body grows. To treat rickets, doctors target and eliminate the cause.
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