Scaphocephaly is a word used to describe a narrow head shape and may be associated with flat head syndrome. The general term for a long thin head shape, also called dolichocephaly. Scaphocephaly results from premature fusion of the sagittal suture, which runs from front to back at the top of the skull. Early fusion of the suture during infancy is called synostosis and  is the most common form of craniosynostosis . You can get detailed information in the video below.

 

What is scaphocephaly and why does it occur?

Unlike other  forms of flat head syndrome  , such as plagiocephaly, scaphocephaly is usually diagnosed as a congenital condition and is usually present at birth. The stitch-like connection points made from the connective tissue in a baby’s skull are called sutures. These eventually harden in early adulthood as the child grows.

The sutures normally remain open and flexible, allowing the brain to grow as it should in early infancy. If there is synostosis of one or more sutures, this will restrict growth in part of the skull and cause distortion of the head shape. Although this may not be noticeable immediately after birth, the deformity will become more noticeable as the brain grows.

How to See Head Shape in Scaphocephaly ?

One of the most common symptoms of scaphocephaly is a head shape with narrow and elongated sides of the skull. The sagittal suture is the long suture that runs from the front to the back of the head, and if this suture is joined too quickly the result is a long, thin head shape.

Other common signs of scaphocephaly are an overdeveloped eyebrow at the front and an overly protruding occipital region at the back of the head.

Scaphocephaly Head Shape Treatment

If you suspect your baby has scaphocephaly or another synostosis, cranial helmet reshaping treatment is not appropriate.

Deformational Scaphocephaly

We may also encounter deformational or positional scaphocephaly in premature babies in neonatal intensive care due to their inactivity during treatment.

If the child does not have synostosis, helmet treatment can be applied. If your baby is diagnosed with synostosis, the most common treatment for this condition is surgery, and your doctors will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

After craniosynostosis endoscopic surgery, helmet treatment comes into play and the correction process of your baby’s skull deformity is completed.

If you are concerned about your baby’s head shape and suspect that your baby may be suffering from any flat head syndrome, contact the relevant doctor or cranial treatment centres. You can read the questions frequently asked by families about the risks of cranial helmet treatment in our article about the Risks of Using a Cranial Helmet . We can evaluate your baby’s head shape and offer advice and guidance to help you take the next steps towards effective treatment.