sunken fontanel

In the name of God Almighty 

Know everything in detail about sunken fontanel:

What is sunken fontanel?

There is a misconception among Kurdish people about sunken fontanel that they relate it to the palate, which is different from it and has nothing to do with soft palate!

The reality of sunken fontanel:

In the skull, between the anterior and parietal bones, there is a large area of ​​six connective tissue fibers, two of which are more prominent and larger, called the anterior and posterior fontanels. They can provide many benefits, including:

During childbirth, the bones of the baby\\'s head align themselves with the mother\\'s birth canal by moving the baby\\'s bones together. It allows the brain to develop properly and actively. It can also tell us about problems in many physical conditions. However, it is normally flat, firm, and semi-soft and should not be touched for any reason because under this there is a brain that may be damaged.

Of the two most important holes, the front and rear are the most prominent.

1-Anterior fontanels, the largest of which closes within 9-18 months after birth and becomes bone.

2-Posterior fontanel usually closes in the first 1-2 months, sometimes at birth!

What are the causes of sunken fontanel?

The main cause of sunken is dehydration of the child. There are many reasons, including:

1.    Vomiting

2.    Not drinking enough fluids

3.    Excessive fever and sweating

4.    Nausea

5.    Excessive urination

6.    Poor or malnutrition

What is the cause of swollen fontanel?

Swelled fontanel, which may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), is a dangerous condition that requires hospitalization. The reasons are generally:

Often when the child cries, lies down, or vomits, the fontanel appears swollen but should return to normal when the child calms down or sits down.

But remember, not all crying and vomiting is normal! They may be a response to a disease, or they might be a dangerous disease, so never ignore it!

When the child appears very sick and at the same time the scalp is swollen, he should be taken to the hospital immediately; he may have meningitis!

It can be caused by hydrocephalus, a condition in which the fluid in the brain increases and the shape of the child\\'s head often increases rapidly

Sometimes the cause can be encephalitis, which is a rare and dangerous condition! The brain is swollen and inflamed by a virus and requires immediate treatment.

Sometimes giving your child a large dose of vitamin A can cause swollen fontanel, which often goes away after 72 hours, but do not ignore it! It may be one of the risk factors I mentioned earlier.

Vitamin A deficiency may also cause swelling that can be accompanied by pain, nausea, and vomiting and improve when vitamin supplements are given.

What is the treatment for sunken fontanel?

If the sunken is due to dehydration, it requires immediate treatment, sometimes in the hospital by giving fluids by mouth.

However, if the child vomits, it can be treated with IV fluids such as normal saline or lactated Ringer.

Treatments continue until the amount of fluid in the body returns to normal.

Simple sunken fontanel can be treated at home by giving the child water or milk, after being advised by the doctor.

If the cause is malnutrition, then the treatment depends on the cause. Treatment usually involves increasing calorie intake or a certain nutrient. In some cases, it may be necessary to give the food through an IV line.

What is the treatment for swollen fontanel?

Swollen fontanel is generally a dangerous condition that requires close monitoring.

Sometimes, as I mentioned earlier, the condition may be harmless, but it should still be monitored and taken to the hospital because of the risk of unwanted and urgent conditions. Most sources tell us that we should never think that swelling of the fontanel is caused by crying, lying down, and vomiting. Often the crying or vomiting may be a response to an illness or dangerous condition, as I said.

Also, the case of swollen fontanel should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible; the later the risk increases and may be due to delayed treatment of permanent problems, and will be with him for the rest of his life.

In short, treatment should be done in the hospital and according to the cause.

Prepared by:

Shadya Abdul

3rd semester student at Nursing Department

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