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Alternative names Return to top
Sunken fontanelles; Soft spot - sunkenDefinition Return to top
Sunken fontanelles describe a concave deformity of the "soft spot" in an infant.Considerations Return to top
The skull is made up of many bones, 7 in the skull itself and 14 in the facial area. They join together to form a solid, bony cavity protecting the brain and supporting the structures of the head. The areas where the bones join together are called the sutures.Common Causes Return to top
Call your health care provider if Return to top
A sunken fontanelle CAN BE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY and should be evaluated promptly by a physician.
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.Treatment may include referral to a facility that can provide intravenous hydration (IV fluids) if the sunken fontanelle is associated with dehydration.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to sunken fontanelles to your personal medical record.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |