Which disease might a sunken fontanelle indicate?
A sunken fontanel, when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of dehydration or malnutrition. Some baby’s fontanels always appear slightly sunken even when they are well.
What does a sunken anterior Fontanel suggests?
A bulging anterior fontanel can be a result of increased intracranial pressure or intracranial and extracranial tumors, and a sunken fontanel usually is a sign of dehydration.
What causes the fontanelle to sink?
Causes of a sunken fontanelle or sunken soft spot on baby’s head. Your baby’s fontanelle changes with his state of hydration. A well-hydrated baby will have a fontanelle that is flat and firm. If your baby isn’t getting enough fluids and is dehydrated, his soft spot can start to appear sunken.
When should I worry about a sunken fontanelle?
Sunken in soft spot This is often a sign of dehydration, she says. It may occur if your child is sick and not getting enough fluids. What you should do: See your pediatrician if the sunken appearance persists and you can’t get your baby to take in more fluids.
What does a dipped fontanelle mean?
A baby’s soft spots should be relatively firm and curve ever so slightly inward. A soft spot with a noticeable inward curve is known as a sunken fontanel. This condition requires immediate medical attention. It’s usually easy to treat.
Why does my baby have a dent on her forehead?
When your baby is born, their skull is very soft. The individual pieces of their skull aren’t fused together yet, allowing them to fit through the birth canal with ease. When your baby is born, you may notice a soft indentation on the top of their head. This is perfectly normal and no cause for concern.
What three questions should you ask to figure out why the fontanelle is depressed?
The provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the child’s symptoms and medical history, such as:
- When did you first notice that the fontanelle looked sunken?
- How severe is it?
- Which “soft spots” are affected?
- What other symptoms are present?
Why is my baby’s head dented?
Why does my 1 year old have a dent in his head?
Sometimes babies are born with an indentation in their skull. These indentations can be caused by the birth process or by the way the baby was positioned in their mother’s womb. If the bones in a baby’s skull fuse prematurely, the baby’s head may appear dented or misshapen — a condition called craniosynostosis.
How do I know if my baby has a sunken fontanelle?
You may never be able to feel or see this one. The one on the top of the head remains present until your baby is between 7 and 19 months old. A baby’s soft spots should be relatively firm and curve ever so slightly inward. A soft spot with a noticeable inward curve is known as a sunken fontanel.