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Warning-sign checks

Craniosynostosis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for a seizure, severe breathing difficulty, sudden reduced responsiveness, or difficulty waking the child.

    These are emergency symptoms whether or not craniosynostosis is present.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the craniofacial team promptly if a child with craniosynostosis develops persistent or worsening headaches, repeated unexplained vomiting, new vision problems, increasing sleepiness, or a clear change in behavior or school performance.

    These symptoms have several possible causes but should not be ignored.

    Seek prompt advice for fever, increasing redness, drainage, worsening swelling, pain that is not settling, or concern that the wound is opening.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical assessment if your baby has an unusual head shape that was present at birth, does not improve with repositioning, or becomes more noticeable.

    A hard ridge, increasing facial asymmetry, or slow head growth also needs assessment.

The article also says

After surgery, follow the team's wound-care and swelling instructions.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Craniosynostosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.