What the heck is craniosynostosis? Say it with me now! Sam was born on Jan 2nd, 2005 with a birth defect called Craniosynostosis. Normally, babies are born with 7 distinct bones or plates in their skull. This allows for the exponential brain growth that occurs during the first few years of life as well as being helpful for the molding of the skull during a vaginal birth. Most 2 year olds have achieved 90% of the size of their adult skull. By the age of 6 or 7, our skull is as large as it will ever be. Then for years, really until we are about 30, our skull continues to thicken & harden. Most of us are familiar with "softspots" in babies, one on the top of their heads & one in the back. These "softspots" are actually where four or more of the bones meet. The lines in between the bones are called sutures. These sutures normally remain open to allow for growth for a number of years. Sam was diagnosed @ 4 wks old with severe Scaphocephaly, which is the premature closure of the sagittal suture. The closed suture restricted growth of Sam's skull from side to side. The skull compensates by growing taller & longer from front to back.
This photo is of Sam at 3 months old.
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