Metopic ridge on 6 month old, ped not worried, but I still am

[Anya's mom]

Hi all I am new to the site and I have found hope and some relief from it. I noticed a hard ridge coming from my daughters soft spot (still open) down to her nose. It is not too noticeable at this time and not sure if there is any pinching yet. We went to the ped yesterday and she didn't seem concerned and that there was more symptoms that what she had if it were metopic craniosynostosis. I agree for extreme cases, yes she may have more symptoms by now, her head doesn't look triangular to me, and her eyes are set apart a normal distance, but there are mild cases. I set up an appointment with a pediatric neurosurgeon in August to take a look (we are traveling for the next 3 weeks). However I would totally do a CT scan to rule out that the metopic suture is closed, however both the ped and my husband think that the radiation dose is much more problematic than the ridge. My questions are: how long is it OK to wait for these things? Why would there be a ridge if it isn't closed? Does a CT scan have tons of radiation? I feel really overwhelmed and I can't stop looking at the ridge on my sweet baby's face, any help or insight is greatly appreciated.

[Sophia's_mom]

Welcome to CK! I think you are doing the best thing you can by setting up another appointment. Does your neurosurgeon also work with a CFS (cranio facial surgeon)? They are typically the one who will diagnose Cranio, not the NS. Most teams can tell by a physical exam if the suture is closed, but others will do a CT. CTs are very safe for children, if done at a children's hospital they have the lowest amounts of radiation. In most opinions, the benefits of doing the scan outweigh any risk involved.

[Anya's mom]

Thank you Sophia's mom, the neurosurgeon is from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, so hopeing he knows something, I will look into it a little further, I would forward your info to my husband in hopes to ease his mind about the radiation. Thanks again!

[JIC0930]

Welcome to CK! I'm sorry you are having concerns. The metopic suture is the first to close and it can close normally as young as 3 months. So it is likely that the ridge is caused by a closed suture but that may be okay anyways. Craniosynostosis can be diagnosed just by look and feel so a CT is often not necessary. A child with a ridge but no trigonocephaly often does not need surgery and the ridge often becomes less noticeable as they grow. Seeing a specialist is still important to make sure the ridge is "just a ridge" and not something more. Good luck at your upcoming appt.

[*Jessica*]

I agree with the other ladies. Also, whether your little one has a metopic ridge or if they have metopic cranio, the suture will be closed. So a CT should just confirm that either way. Metopic cranio forms when it closes WAY too early and changes the headshape (known as trigonocephaly) but the ridge forms during the closure process in the range of normal, but the body just lays a little extra bone forming the ridge. As already said, those generally go away over time...otherwise there is a procedure usually done around 4-5, to shave it down if it is really large still. But that is generally for cosmetic reasons, should you all choose.

[Anya's mom]

Thank you ladies, going on Monday to see a plastic surgeon from Boston Children's Hospital will update with what he says.

[SweetTeaNC]

I agree with the other ladies. Also, whether your little one has a metopic ridge or if they have metopic cranio, the suture will be closed. So a CT should just confirm that either way. Metopic cranio forms when it closes WAY too early and changes the headshape (known as trigonocephaly) but the ridge forms during the closure process in the range of normal, but the body just lays a little extra bone forming the ridge. As already said, those generally go away over time...otherwise there is a procedure usually done around 4-5, to shave it down if it is really large still. But that is generally for cosmetic reasons, should you all choose.

Good advice here so I don't need to add much. A CT scan is very safe for children so don't worry about that... the internet can be a scary place to look up stuff like this so keep in mind that doctors wouldn't consent to CT's on children if there were harmful effects. This is something that's been tested extensively and CT's have been around for years. My son had his CT to confirm metopic cranio when he was about a month old.

Go with your Momma's instinct. Good for you for getting a specialist's opinion. My son's was diagnosed by his pediatric plastic surgeon...only then did we see the neurosurgeon...but perhaps your medical facility goes about things differently. The members of this forum are incredibly helpful and supportive, so keep us updated and ask any questions you might have!

[BabyGabey]

Good luck at your appointment today hope all goes well

[Anya's mom]

The doc took two minutes feeling her head and said it was just a ridge,, nothing to worry about. Thank you to all the ladies that were so helpful!

[raheel]

Hi....gald that your child gets over it......good luck