n. premature fusion of some of the cranial bones, usually before birth, so that the skull is unable to expand in certain directions to assume its normal shape under the influence of the growing brain. Depending on which cranial *sutures fuse early, the skull may become elongated from front to back, broad and short, peaked (oxycephaly or turricephaly), or asymmetrical. Craniosynostosis is a feature of several related inherited disorders (see acrocephalosyndactyly). Compare craniostenosis.
A rare, non-hormone-secreting tumour of the pituitary gland. Symptoms of a craniopharyngioma may include headaches, vomiting, and defective vision. If a craniopharyngioma develops in childhood, growth may become stunted and sexual development may not occur. Craniopharyngiomas are usually removed surgically. Untreated, they may cause permanent brain damage. craniosynostosis The premature closure of one or more of the joints (sutures) between the curved, flattened bones of the skull in infants. If all the joints are involved, the growing infant’s brain may be compressed and there is a risk of brain damage from pressure inside the skull. If the abnormality is localized, the head may be deformed. Craniosynostosis may occur before birth and, in some cases, is associated with other birth defects. It may also occur in an otherwise healthy baby, or in a baby affected by a disorder such as rickets. If the brain is compressed, an operation may be performed to separate the fused skull bones.... craniopharyngioma
n. any one of a group of related inherited disorders, including *Apert syndrome, resulting in abnormalities of the skull (*craniosynostosis), face, and hands and feet (*syndactyly).... acrocephalosyndactyly
a hereditary disorder characterized by *craniosynostosis, underdevelopment of the midfacial tissues resulting in a sunken facial appearance, and *syndactyly (fusion) of 2–5 digits (‘mitten glove’). Variable mental deficits and cleft palate may result. The condition may be associated with *Crouzon syndrome, in which case the fusion of the digits is less marked. See also acrocephalosyndactyly. [E. Apert (1868–1940), French physician]... apert syndrome
(craniofacial dysostosis) a genetic disorder characterized by premature fusion of the skull sutures, leading to distortion in the shape of the head. It is a generalized form of *craniosynostosis, with a wide skull, high forehead, widely spaced eyes (ocular *hypertelorism), and *exophthalmos.See also Apert syndrome. [O. Crouzon (1874–1938), French neurologist]... crouzon syndrome
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