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Craniotabes is a softening of the skull bones.
Alternative NamesCongenital cranial osteoporosis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCraniotabes can be a normal finding in infants, especially premature infants. Studies suggest it occurs in up to one third of all newborn infants.
Craniotabes is a harmless finding in the newborn, unless it is associated with other problems, such as rickets and osteogenesis imperfecta(brittle bones).
Symptoms- Soft areas of the skull, especially along the suture line
- Soft areas pop in and out
- Bones may feel soft, flexible, and thin along the suture lines
Typically craniotabes is demonstrated by pressing the bone along the area where the bones of the skull come together. The bone often pops in and out, similar to pressing on a Ping-Pong ball.
No testing is done unless osteogenesis imperfecta or rickets is suspected.
TreatmentCraniotabes that are not associated with other conditions are not treated.
Expectations (prognosis)Complete healing is expected.
ComplicationsThere are usually no complications.
Calling your health care providerThis finding is usually discovered when the baby is examined during a well-baby check. Call your health care provider if you notice that your child has signs of craniotabes (to rule out other problems).
PreventionMost of the time, craniotabes is not preventable (except when associated with rickets and osteogenesis imperfecta).
What else can I help you with?
What causes Craniotabes?
premature infants(as normal finding),rickets,osteogenesis imperfecta
What is the medical term meaning abnormal softening of the skull?
Craniotabes (abnormal softening of the skull )It could also be cranimalacia.cranimalaciaDecomposition...craniomalacia
Why my head seem too soft?
This condition is known as craniotabes and is normal in babies, especially so in premature babies. In an adult, adolescent or child, it indicates abnormal bone growth that could be caused by a number of things including Vitamin D deficiency (rickets), very common in colder climates due to lack of sunshine, and a number of other disorders/diseases. You should consult a doctor.
What are the symptoms that you need extra vitamin D?
Signs and symptomsVitamin D deficiency is known to cause several bone diseases including:Rickets, a childhood disease characterized by impeded growth, and deformity, of the long bones. The earliest sign of subclinical vitamin D deficiency is Craniotabes, abnormal softening or thinning of the skull.Osteomalacia, a bone-thinning disorder that occurs exclusively in adults and is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and bone fragility.Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased bone fragility.Muscle aches and weakness (in particular proximal limb girdle)Muscle twitching (Fasciculations).The role of diet in the development of rickets was determined by Edward Mellanby between 1918-1920. In 1921 Elmer McCollum identified an anti-rachitic substance found in certain fats that could prevent rickets. Because the newly discovered substance was the fourth vitamin identified, it was called vitamin D. The 1928 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Adolf Windaus, who discovered the steroid 7-dehydrocholesterol, the precursor of vitamin D.Prior to the fortification of milk products with vitamin D, rickets was a major public health problem. In the United States, milk has been fortified with 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D per quart since the 1930s, leading to a dramatic decline in the number of rickets cases.Hypovitaminosis D is also considered a risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms in older persons.
Hypervitaminosis A?
DefinitionHypervitaminosis A is having too much vitamin A in the body.Alternative NamesVitamin A toxicityCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThere are two types of vitamin A hypervitaminosis:Acute -- caused by taking too much vitamin A over a short period of timeChronic -- occurs when too much of the vitamin is present over a longer periodChronic vitamin A toxicity develops after taking too much vitamin A for long periods.SymptomsAbnormal softening of the skull bone (craniotabes -- infants and children)Blurred visionBone pain or swellingBulging fontanelle (infants)Changes in consciousnessDecreased appetiteDizzinessDouble vision (young children)DrowsinessHeadacheIncreased intracranial pressureIrritabilityLiver damageNauseaPoor weight gain (infants and children)Skin and hair changes Cracking at corners of the mouthHair lossHigher sensitivity to sunlightOily skin and hair (seborrhea)Skin peeling, itchingYellow discoloration of the skinVision changesVomitingSigns and testsBone x-raysBlood calcium testCholesterol testLiver function testBlood test to check vitamin A levelsTreatmentTreatment involves simply stopping the use of too much vitamin A.Expectations (prognosis)Most people fully recover.ComplicationsExcessively high calcium levelsFailure to thrive in infantsKidney damage due to high calciumLiver damageTaking too much vitamin A during pregnancy may cause abnormal development in the developing baby. Talk to your health care provider about eating a proper diet while you are pregnant.Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you think that you or your child may have taken too much vitamin A, or you have symptoms of excess vitamin A.PreventionTo avoid hypervitaminosis A, avoid taking more than the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin. Recent emphasis on vitamin A and beta carotene as anticancer vitamins may contribute to chronic hypervitaminosis A, if people take more than is recommended.ReferencesZile M. Vitamin A deficiencies and excess. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 45.Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 237.
