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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Alternative Names
Congenital cranial osteoporosisDefinition Return to top
Craniotabes is a softening of the skull bones.
Causes Return to top
Craniotabes can be a normal finding in infants, especially premature infants. Studies suggest it occurs in up to one third of all newborn infants.
Craniotabes is a harmless finding in the newborn, unless it is associated with other problems, such as rickets and osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones).
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
Typically craniotabes is demonstrated by pressing the bone along the area where the bones of the skull come together. The bone often pops in and out, similar to pressing on a Ping-Pong ball.
No testing is done unless osteogenesis imperfecta or rickets is suspected.
Treatment Return to top
Craniotabes that are not associated with other conditions are not treated.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Complete healing is expected.
Possible Complications Return to top
There are usually no complications.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
This finding is usually discovered when the baby is examined during a well-baby check. Call your health care provider if you notice that your child has signs of craniotabes (to rule out other problems).
Prevention Return to top
Most of the time, craniotabes is not preventable (except when associated with rickets and osteogenesis imperfecta).
Update Date: 3/14/2009 Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
