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Warning-sign checks

Metopic ridge: 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

    Call emergency services if your child has a seizure, is very difficult to wake, develops sudden weakness, or has trouble breathing.

    A ridge noticed after a significant head injury should be assessed according to the injury symptoms rather than assumed to be related to the suture.

    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 a healthcare professional promptly if the area becomes painful, red, warm, or swollen.

    Those findings are not typical of a simple bony ridge and may have another cause.

    Seek same-day medical care for repeated vomiting with a severe headache, unusual sleepiness, a persistent bulging soft spot, or a clear change in alertness.

    These symptoms do not usually result from an isolated metopic ridge, but they need assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment with your child’s doctor if the ridge is prominent, the forehead looks triangular or narrow, or the head shape seems to be changing.

    You should also book an assessment if you are concerned about head growth, vision, feeding, movement, or development.

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