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Warning-sign checks

Sutures - ridged: 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 help if your child:

    • Has a seizure
    • Is very difficult to wake
    • Has trouble breathing
    • Becomes suddenly weak or unresponsive
    • Develops concerning symptoms after a significant head injury
    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 the same day if the soft spot is bulging while your baby is calm and upright, especially with fever, repeated vomiting, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness.

    A bulging soft spot is different from a hard suture ridge and may indicate pressure or illness that needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the ridge remains after early newborn molding has settled, becomes more obvious, or is accompanied by an unusual head shape.

    Also book an appointment if you are concerned that the head is not growing, the face or eyes look uneven, or your child has developmental difficulties.

The article also says

A stable ridge without these symptoms is not usually an emergency.

However, persistent ridging with an unusual head shape should not be left until much later, because early assessment can clarify whether normal growth is occurring.

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