Although dolichocephaly may be associated with some other abnormalities, alone it is just a normal variation; unless symptomatic, it is not a cause for concern. Early diagnosis can be made by X-ray or ultrasonography. Treatment is not essential in some cases.
What is dolichocephaly?
Dolichocephaly is a condition in which one has an abnormally long head. A “perfectly round” head measures the same distance between the ears as it does from the nose to the back of the head. In dolichocephaly, the front to back measurement is longer than the side-to-side measurement. Dolichocephaly Definition
Does dolichocephaly cause abnormal brain development in newborns?
( Note: Like all positional molding which occurs in utero, dolichocephaly does not in itself cause nor indicate abnormal brain development. The head shape is highly likely to return to completely normal in the days and weeks following birth, especially if baby receives lots of holding and cuddles to permit free movement of the head.)
What is the rate of incidence for dolichocephaly?
Dolichocephaly is also known as dolichocephalism, cymbocephaly, tectocephaly, sagittal synostosis, scaphocephalis, scaphocephalism, mecocephaly, and scaphocephaly. About 1 out of 4200 babies is born with dolichocephaly. There is a 3:1 male predominance.
What does dolicocephalic shape of fetal head mean?
The results of the sonogram are - No evidence of fetal anomalies. However, shape of fetal head is Dolichocephalic. What does that mean? I understand that it is related to the head measurements. Is it a cause of concern? A: Dolicocephaly refers to a head shape that is longer than wide.
Is dolichocephaly serious?
The long-term consequences of dolichocephaly are not fully known, but it has been correlated with delayed reaching skills, tightness in the spinal extensors and scapular retractors, and development of motor asymmetries. Other long-term effects of dolichocephaly have been evaluated minimally.
Does dolichocephaly affect brain development?
(Note: Like all positional molding which occurs in utero, dolichocephaly does not in itself cause nor indicate abnormal brain development.
What does dolichocephalic head mean?
Medical Definition of dolichocephalic : having a relatively long head with a cephalic index of less than 75.
What is a normal head shape?
However, naturally, the normal head shape when viewed from above should look similar to an egg, slightly wider at the back than the front. The ideal is thought to be 20% longer than it is wide and there should be no asymmetry or difference between the left and right sides.
Why is my baby's head elongated?
The skull bones in the soft spots haven't yet grown together. The soft spots allow a baby's relatively large head to move through the narrow birth canal. They also accommodate a baby's rapidly growing brain during infancy. A newborn's head that is shaped unevenly right after birth often rounds out over time.
Why are babies born with elongated heads?
Newborn head molding is an abnormal head shape that results from pressure on the baby's head during childbirth. During a head first birth, pressure on the head caused by the tight birth canal may mold the head into an oblong rather than round shape. This is a common occurrence that usually disappears after a few days.
When should I worry about baby head shape?
Let your doctor know immediately if you notice anything unusual or different about your baby's head shape, like: your baby's head shape is still misshapen 2 weeks or more after birth. a bulging or swollen spot on your baby's head. a sunken soft spot on your baby's head.
What race is dolichocephalic?
cephalic index top; such skulls are called dolichocephalic and are typical of Australian aborigines and native southern Africans. An index of 75 to 80 means that the skull is nearly oval; such skulls are called mesaticephalic and are typical of Europeans and the Chinese.
Who is a dolichocephalic individual?
1. having a head much longer than it is broad, esp one with a cephalic index under 75. noun. 2. an individual with such a head.
Should your skull be perfectly round?
The skull is not perfectly round or smooth, so it is normal to feel slight bumps and ridges. However, a dent in the head, especially if it is new, requires a trip to the doctor to determine the cause. In this article, we examine the possible causes and symptoms of a dent in the head.
Does head shape change with age?
Results demonstrate significant adult skull shape changes with increasing age. Shape changes were mostly notable within the inner cranial vault and the anterior and middle cranial fossae.
Does head shape affect brain?
It is believed by many researchers to have had no significant effect on cranial capacity and how the brain worked, the conclusion of a 1989 study of skulls in The American Journal of Physical Anthropology.
When should I worry about baby head shape?
Let your doctor know immediately if you notice anything unusual or different about your baby's head shape, like: your baby's head shape is still misshapen 2 weeks or more after birth. a bulging or swollen spot on your baby's head. a sunken soft spot on your baby's head.
What race is dolichocephalic?
cephalic index top; such skulls are called dolichocephalic and are typical of Australian aborigines and native southern Africans. An index of 75 to 80 means that the skull is nearly oval; such skulls are called mesaticephalic and are typical of Europeans and the Chinese.
When does baby head shape become permanent?
9-18 monthsWhen babies are born their skulls are soft, which helps them pass through the birth canal. It can take 9-18 months before a baby's skull is fully formed. During this time some babies develop positional plagiocephaly. This means that there is a flat area on the back or side of the head.
Do premature babies have problems as adults?
A rapidly growing body of research indicates that preterm birth is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular, endocrine/metabolic, respiratory, renal, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders in early to mid-adulthood.
How many babies are born with dolichocephaly?
About 1 out of 4200 babies is born with dolichocephaly. There is a 3:1 male predominance. Historically, a dolichocephalic (elongated) head shape was the norm. Currently the norm has changed to a more brachycephalic (shorter and broader) shape.
What is the medical term for dolichocephaly?
Dolichocephaly is also known as dolichocephalism, cymbocephaly, tectocephaly, sagittal synostosis, scaphocephalis, scaphocephalism, mecocephaly, and scaphocephaly. About 1 out of 4200 babies is born with dolichocephaly. There is a 3:1 male predominance.
What is the term for a head that is long and narrow?
Technically, dolichocephaly is a mild cranial deformity in which the head has become disproportionately long and narrow, due to mechanical forces associated with breech positioning in utero. This change in shape is more commonly associated with primiparity (first babies), larger babies, oligohydramnios, and posterior placentas, all of which result in greater forces applied to the fetal head. Dolichocephaly is not always serious, since the condition ranges from mild to severe. In fact, most children who are treated for dolichocephaly with surgery go on to lead normal lives. However, dolichocephaly is associated with dozens of developmental disabilities that can result in mental retardation.
What does "dolichos" mean in Greek?
Dolichocephaly Definition. Dolichocephaly comes from the Greek word “dolichos” meaning “long,” and the Greek word “kephale” meaning “head”. Having a relatively long head; having a head whose width is less than 76 percent of its length from front to back.
What is the closure of the skull in dolichocephaly?
In dolichocephaly, the sagittal sutures (which run from the front of the head to the back) close together too early. This closure prevents the skull from expanding in width, and the skull begins to expand towards open sutures (such as the coronal sutures that run down the side of the head).
What is the primary symptom of dolichocephaly?
The primary symptom of dolichocephaly is primarily long skull. In mild cases this malformation is only an aesthetic issue. This condition can also cause delayed growth or development of brain cortex. The abnormal shape of head can lead to trouble breathing and chewing food. Such patients are likely to develop auditory issues and vision disorders. Dolichocephaly also features an inverted curvature of parietal and temporal bones with convexity oriented to surface of cortex.
Is dolichocephaly a cause for concern?
It can present be in cases of Sensenbrenner syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Sotos syndrome as well as Marfan syndrome. Although dolichocephaly may be associated with some other abnormalities, alone it is just a normal variation; unless symptomatic, it is not a cause for concern. Early diagnosis can be made by X-ray or ultrasonography. Treatment is not essential in some cases.
What is dolichocephaly in babies?
This post is about dolichocephaly, a form of positional molding which affects some breech babies – how it happens, why it may be important, and how to recognise it.
How accurate is fetal weight?
HC=90th percentile, BPD=60th percentile; or a difference in correlating dates of two weeks or more), and may be a more relevant indication that this baby is too big for this particular woman. Dolichocephaly can be discerned on palpation as well, as the occiput is prominently felt above the fetal back, the head is not ballotable, and may feel unusually wide. I would suggest caution where estimated fetal weight is above 3500 g and a difference in HC and BPD, or careful palpation, indicates abnormal cranial molding has occurred, especially for women who are having their first baby, have a low amniotic fluid index, and/or a high posterior placenta; and in situations where imaging pelvimetry is not used to confirm an ample pelvic inlet.
What is the term for a head that is long and narrow?
Technically, dolichocephaly is a mild cranial deformity in which the head has become disproportionately long and narrow, due to mechanical forces associated with breech positioning in utero ( Kasby & Poll 1982, Bronfin 2001 , Lubusky et al 2007 ). This change in shape is more commonly associated with primiparity (first babies), larger babies, oligohydramnios, and posterior placentas, all of which result in greater forces applied to the fetal head.
Where is the head in a breech birth?
Following the birth of the arms in a breech birth, the head will be in the anterior-posterior diameter of the pelvis. When the head shape has become abnormally elongated, the longest diameter of the fetal head will meet the shortest diameter of the maternal pelvis at the inlet.
Can a breech baby have a elongated head?
A very elongated head can have difficulty passing through the lower pelvis as well, and can cause damage to the maternal pelvic floor, unless appropriate techniques are used to assist the head to flex. Abnormal head molding in some breech babies. Estimation of fetal weight by ultrasound is notoriously inaccurate.
What is a low cephalic count?
If your dog has a low cephalic count, it will be considered as dolichocephalic, and likewise, if the count is high on the index, they will be classed as brachycephalic. A dog with a count below 75 on the scale, is generally considered as dolichocephalic. Wolves are the earliest example of these dogs, with their elongated jawbones giving ...
Why do dogs have dolichocephalic noses?
With the size of dolichocephalic noses on breeds, it stands to reason that with a larger expanse of area, dogs will be more exposed to pollution or allergies caused by pathogens and carcinogens, resulting potentially in tumour formation. Again, this would need surgery, which is a delicate operation and quite difficult.
What is the cephalic index?
Measurements are judged on the width of the head compared to the length of the nose. If your dog has a low cephalic count, it will be considered as dolichocephalic, and likewise, if the count is high on the index, they will be classed as brachycephalic .
Is a dachshund a dolichocephalic dog?
Pointers, scent hounds, irish wolfhounds, greyhounds and whippets, borzois, salukis, afghan hounds, collies, poodles and many more, including groups such as terriers (namely Airedale, Scottish terriers ). Dachshunds also qualify as dolichocephalic. So how do you know if your chosen breed is on the list?
