What does it mean if the fontanel is sunken?

A sunken fontanel occurs when the soft spot on a baby’s skull becomes more deep set than usual. One of the major causes is dehydration. The human skull is made up from several bones that are connected by tough fibrous tissue called sutures.

How do I know if my baby’s soft spot is sunken?

The one on the top of the head remains present until your baby is between 7 and 19 months old. A baby’s soft spots should be relatively firm and curve ever so slightly inward. A soft spot with a noticeable inward curve is known as a sunken fontanel. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

What does it mean when a baby’s soft spot is indented?

Sometimes it can bulge slightly (such as when baby cries), and less often, it can appear to be concave, or sunken. It’s okay if it curves inward slightly to the touch. But if the soft spot is significantly sunken, it’s usually a sign that your baby is dehydrated and needs to be given fluids immediately.

What causes sunken fontanel in adults?

A bulging anterior fontanel can be a result of increased intracranial pressure or intracranial and extracranial tumors, and a sunken fontanel usually is a sign of dehydration.

How do I know if my baby is dehydrated?

These are some signs of dehydration to watch for in children:

1. Dry tongue and dry lips.
2. No tears when crying.
3. Fewer than six wet diapers per day (for infants), and no wet diapers or urination for eight hours (in toddlers).
4. Sunken soft spot on infant’s head.
5. Sunken eyes.
6. Dry and wrinkled skin.
7. Deep, rapid breathing.

Can you hurt a baby by pushing on their soft spot?

Can I hurt my baby’s brain if I touch the soft spot? Many parents worry that their baby will be injured if the soft spot is touched or brushed over. The fontanel is covered by a thick, tough membrane which protects the brain. There is absolutely no danger of damaging your baby with normal handling.

How do I know if baby is dehydrated?

How can I tell if my baby is dehydrated?

Dehydration occurs when an infant or child loses so much body fluid that they are not able to maintain ordinary function. The warning signs can include dry skin, tongue and lips, rapid breathing, fewer wet diapers and tearless crying.

How do I rehydrate my baby?

For mild dehydration in a child age 1 to 11:

1. Give extra fluids in frequent, small sips, especially if the child is vomiting.
2. Choose clear soup, clear soda, or Pedialyte, if possible.
3. Give popsicles, ice chips, and cereal mixed with milk for added water or fluid.
4. Continue a regular diet.

When should I be concerned about my baby’s soft spot?

If you notice a bulging fontanelle along with a fever or excessive drowsiness, seek medical attention right away. A fontanelle that doesn’t seem to be closing. Talk with your doctor if your baby’s soft spots haven’t started getting smaller by her first birthday.

What is sunken fontanelle?

Fontanelles – sunken. Sunken fontanelles are an obvious curving in of the “soft spot” in an infant’s head. The skull is made up of many bones. There are 8 bones in the skull itself and 14 bones in the face area. They join together to form a solid, bony cavity that protects and supports the brain.

When do fontanelles close?

The posterior fontanelle is on the upper, rear part of the baby’s head. This fontanelle is at the intersection of three different bones. The posterior fontanelle generally closes between 6 weeks and 3 months after birth. It is the first to close.

What is the purpose of the fontanels?

The purpose of these fontanelles is to facilitate easier passage of the infant’s large head through the birth canal. Instead of being completely made of bone, there are large areas of thick connective tissue covered by a membrane that will eventually close as the skull forms more bone.

What does full Fontanelle mean?

A fontanelle, or fontanel, is what is commonly referred to as a soft spot on an infant’s head. The anterior fontanelle is the point in the skull where the sagittal suture perpendicularly intersects the coronal suture. Once a baby is born, fontanelles will take several months to several years to close completely.