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Suggest Treatment For Indentation On Right Side Of Head In A Premature Baby
Question: Hi, my premature baby girl (born at 34 weeks gestation) who was born a week ago has a relatively large, crater-like dent on the right side of her head (3 inches in diameter, circular in shape). It's slightly concave (not just flat). In terms of positioning, the bottom of the dent is about an inch above her right ear, and the rim and inside of the dent feels hard (like bone). Is this concerning?
Brief Answer:
Imaging studies needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
I saw the photos you uploaded too.
It is difficult to say it is something concerning or not.
More information needed about this condition, was the dent there since birth?
Was the birth normal or prolonged?
Were forceps used to pull the baby?
Does the dent change with positions?
Did the baby fell or her head was hit?
It may a skull fracture or a head developmental abnormality, but these are hypotheses.
Imaging studies needed before arriving a conclusion, in this age head and brain ultrasound through opened fontanelle is a simple harmless imaging study that gives a lot of information about the nature of the deformity.
I suggest you to discuss with your daughter's Pediatrician the possibility of having the ultrasound done.
Any further information will be of help in understanding better the nature of the skull dent.
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions or clarifications.
Imaging studies needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
I saw the photos you uploaded too.
It is difficult to say it is something concerning or not.
More information needed about this condition, was the dent there since birth?
Was the birth normal or prolonged?
Were forceps used to pull the baby?
Does the dent change with positions?
Did the baby fell or her head was hit?
It may a skull fracture or a head developmental abnormality, but these are hypotheses.
Imaging studies needed before arriving a conclusion, in this age head and brain ultrasound through opened fontanelle is a simple harmless imaging study that gives a lot of information about the nature of the deformity.
I suggest you to discuss with your daughter's Pediatrician the possibility of having the ultrasound done.
Any further information will be of help in understanding better the nature of the skull dent.
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions or clarifications.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
To answer your questions:
Was the birth normal or prolonged? I was induced with sytotech (sp) and potosen (sp) and gave birth vaginally. The push was long (3 hours) and a vacuum was used at the back of the head (3 pushes).
Were forceps used to pull the baby? No
Does the dent change with positions? No
Did the baby fell or her head was hit? No
When should we do the ultrasound? Now or wait a few weeks to see if the head shape changes back to normal.
Was the birth normal or prolonged? I was induced with sytotech (sp) and potosen (sp) and gave birth vaginally. The push was long (3 hours) and a vacuum was used at the back of the head (3 pushes).
Were forceps used to pull the baby? No
Does the dent change with positions? No
Did the baby fell or her head was hit? No
When should we do the ultrasound? Now or wait a few weeks to see if the head shape changes back to normal.
Brief Answer:
Ultrasound should be done now.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX and thanks for answering my questions.
I don't think it is a matter for too much concerning.
In that case, a follow up needed to see how it goes.
In my opinion, the ultrasound should be now for two reasons: to have a better understanding of the abnormality and as the first ultrasound to be compared with, in the follow up process.
Hope I helped you. Best regards.
Ultrasound should be done now.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX and thanks for answering my questions.
I don't think it is a matter for too much concerning.
In that case, a follow up needed to see how it goes.
In my opinion, the ultrasound should be now for two reasons: to have a better understanding of the abnormality and as the first ultrasound to be compared with, in the follow up process.
Hope I helped you. Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Ok thank you. I just measured the size of the dent and it's actually 1 inch in diameter (not 3 inches like I previously guessed). Should I be taking a baby to get an ultrasound before she gets her vaccines?
Brief Answer:
There is no need to rush.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
In my opinion, you don't have to rush, unless you notice any changes in your doughter's skull and dent.
As I said before, there's need for a recent ultrasound to evaluate current situation and to have a comparison basis for further examinations.
So, I guess, Hepatitis B vaccine is applied at age 1 month ( there are small timing changes locally), till then you can wait.
Hope I helped you. Wishing good health to you and your family.
There is no need to rush.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
In my opinion, you don't have to rush, unless you notice any changes in your doughter's skull and dent.
As I said before, there's need for a recent ultrasound to evaluate current situation and to have a comparison basis for further examinations.
So, I guess, Hepatitis B vaccine is applied at age 1 month ( there are small timing changes locally), till then you can wait.
Hope I helped you. Wishing good health to you and your family.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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