Does anyone know how a 6yr old childs head can expand due to chronic brainswelling? I understand the stutures weren't all the way closed/formed. So does it actually create more bone to keep the skull formed? Please don't send me to a link I've already looked on all the sites I could find about this.
2006-12-22 12:34:02 · 7 answers · asked by chloe 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
so if the sutures aren't hardened would this actually make him more susceptable to a skull fracture?
2006-12-22 13:16:19 · update #1
I asked my husband this, (He was a PA for an orthopedist,and is just about to finish MD School) Normally, the sutures are fully formed by 18-24 months, give or take a few months. It's only an average. He said that with what you have written, it would seem to him that the sutures haven't completely closed, and this allows the skull to expand. The area of the sutures stiffens up enough to keep the skull form and protect the brain, but doesn't actually calcify and or turn to bone because they move before they have time to harden. The plates probably won't ever do this as long as the skull is required to expand. He said that in some extreme cases, the "soft spot" becomes so large that the person will be prescribed a medically fitted helmet to protect the brain. He also said that it's much better for your child that his/her body accommodates the condition, rather than having to have the cranial pressure relieved surgically. I hope this answers your question.
2006-12-22 12:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by ihave5katz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As I am not a doctor I will probably not give you the answer that you are looking for. As a mom though I can understand your concern in wanting answers.
Vitamin A in excess can cause brain swelling as well as liver problems and meningitis. Most cases of meningitis is said to occur in children 5 and younger. Without extra info though I don't think I can offer more info. I do hope you find the answers you need though.
Can you add some more details about the reason for the sutures? There is a new technique for decompressive craniectomy with duraplasty that was developed for cases in which brain swelling was present at dural closure. It uses an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene dura substitute that might be a better option than sutures. I guess more info would be needed first. I wish you the best in finding the answers you need though.
2006-12-22 20:43:57 · answer #2 · answered by Pan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a young childs skull and bones are like a young tree. They are very flexible this is very normal. When a child breaks a bone it is usally called a green fracture due to the flex of the bone before breaking. the skull is much the same. As the brain swells the skull expands because it is still plyable. If there is a hole in the skull yes a childs skull will fill the gap.
2006-12-22 20:45:36 · answer #3 · answered by crusher_mma 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My understanding is that the skull itself does not expand. Pressure increases inside the skull, which can compress or squeeze the soft brain tissue against it, preventing blood from circulating adequately in the brain tissue and causing damage to brain cells.
Usually meds are administered to draw fluids away from the brain. Sometimes if the swelling is severe the only solution is to remove part of the skull to relieve the pressure and to temporarily allow the swollen tissue to bulge out, and so reduce the risk of further damage.
The brain has a number of spaces (ventricles) that can hold fluid. Sometimes if there is a blockage in one of these spaces a tube called a shunt is inserted to relieve the pressure and drain the fluid.
I hope this is of some help.
2006-12-22 20:56:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it does not create more bone. The cartilage in the sutures just turns to bone over time in a process called ossification. Contrary to what people generally think, our sutures are not fully closed until we are well into adulthood. Since your child's head swells/contracts so often, his may take even longer-as the sutures open more often and are not in one place (together) very long at a time.
2006-12-22 21:39:16 · answer #5 · answered by Gloria K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't you have a neurosurgeon that cam answer these questions for you? why is your child having chronic brain swelling was this a birth anomaly? an accident? why haven't they put a stent in to drain the fluid so the brain doesn't swell< I can see them not closing the structure because of the swelling but they need to first find out why there is chronic swelling. Don't be intimidated to ask the doctors and if you have a doctor that doesn't want to explain and answer these questions then find one that will. i hope the best for the child.
2006-12-22 20:41:22 · answer #6 · answered by kissybertha 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First it's a shunt. Is it brain swelling or is it that the ventraicles are not draining I have a son with a shunt your should have a nerosurgeon if you don't understand what they are saying ask them to use laymens terms
2006-12-22 20:45:07 · answer #7 · answered by kwingfan13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋