Sutures - separated

Alternative names:

separation of the sutures

Home care:

Home care is based on the specific diagnosis associated with separated sutures.

Call your health care provider if:

• your child has noticeably separated sutures, bulging fontanels, or prominent scalp veins.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting separated sutures in detail may include:

• Have other abnormalities been present (such as abnormal head circumference)?
• When did you first notice that the sutures were separated?
• Does it seem to be getting worse?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination:
Your health care provider will palpate (feel) the sutures to determine the degree of separation. In addition, the fontanels and scalp veins will be examined. If there are abnormal findings, the nervous system and vision will be evaluated in detail.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

• MRI of the head
• CT scan of the head
• ultrasound of the head
• infectious disease work up (blood cultures, cultures from various other tissues)
• metabolic work up (blood tests such as a chem-20 as well as tests for suspected causes)
• standard ophthalmic exam

After seeing your health care provider:
Although your health care provider keeps records from routine examinations, you may find it helpful to maintain your own records of your child's development. You will want to bring these records to your health care provider's attention if you notice anything unusual.

If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as to the cause of separated sutures, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.