What causes large anterior fontanelle?
The most common causes of a large anterior fontanel or delayed fontanel closure are achondroplasia, hypothyroidism, Down syndrome, increased intracranial pressure, and rickets.
What does a large fontanelle mean?
Fontanelles that are abnormally large may indicate a medical condition. A wide fontanelle occurs when the fontanelle is larger in size than expected for the age of the baby. Slow or incomplete ossification of the skull bones is most often the cause of a wide fontanelle.
How can you tell if a baby’s soft spot is dehydrated?
When you touch the fontanelle, it should feel firm with a slight inward curve. Many parents will worry about the fontanelle being ‘sunken’ (drawn in) and that this is a sign of being dehydrated (does not have enough fluid in their body).
When should I worry about a fontanelle dehydration?
A significantly sunken fontanelle, along with other signs of dehydration (such as dry diapers), warrants a call to the doctor right away.
What can cause a large anterior fontanel closure?
The most common causes of a large anterior fontanel or delayed fontanel closure are achondroplasia, hypothyroidism, Down syndrome, increased intracranial pressure, and rickets.
What causes your mouth to be dry all the time?
Other health conditions. Dry mouth can be due to certain health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth or Alzheimer’s disease, or due to autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS. Snoring and breathing with your mouth open also can contribute to dry mouth. Tobacco and alcohol use.
Where is the anterior and posterior fontanel located?
The superior sagittal dural venous sinus is partially situated beneath the anterior fontanel. The triangular posterior fontanel is located at the junction of the occipital and two parietal bones. 1, 5
What are the physical signs of an abnormal fontanel?
Most cases occur before two years of age, while the anterior fontanel is still open. Physical signs include an abnormal rate of head growth, frontal bossing of the forehead, widened sutures, and dilated scalp veins. Imaging with ultrasonography, CT, or MRI shows enlarged ventricles in the absence of brain atrophy.
