A paediatrician (specialist in treating children) will usually be able to diagnose craniosynostosis by carrying out a simple visual examination of your baby’s head.
Any severe distortions of the skull or face will be apparent, and the existence of ridges over fused sutures or misalignment of the ears will also provide evidence of craniosynostosis.
An X-ray of the skull may be taken to confirm a diagnosis of craniosynostosis.
Computerised tomography (CT) scan
A computerised tomography (CT) scan is the most detailed method of assessing the condition of your child’s skull. A CT scan involves taking a series of X-rays and using a computer to reassemble them into a more detailed image.
CT scans are usually only required to plan some types of surgery or if the diagnosis of craniosynostosis is in doubt.
See the Health A-Z topic about CT scans for more information about the procedure.
If your child has other birth defects that suggest that craniosynostosis may be part of a wider syndrome, such as Apert’s disease, a sample of their blood, hair or saliva may be taken and tested for any genetic mutations. Apert’s disease is a genetic disorder that causes deformities of the head, hands, feet and face.
