PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY

Craniofacial anomalies

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Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) are a diverse group of deformities in the growth of the head and facial bones. Anomaly is a medical term meaning "irregularity" or "different from normal." These abnormalities are congenital (present at birth) and there are numerous variations - some are mild and some are severe and require surgery.

Most medical professionals agree that there is no single factor that causes these types of abnormalities. Instead, there are many factors that may contribute to their development, including combination of genes, the environment, and/or folic acid deficiency.

The timing and type of surgery is very much dependent on the type of synostosis and the preferences of the neurosurgeon. Often these operations are performed by a team of surgeons including a specially trained craniofacial plastic surgeon in addition to a neurosurgeon. The majority of operations are performed in the first year of life, and some even in the first few months of life.

Please contact NSPC (631) 983-8400 for more information or to schedule an appointment.