Sutures - separated

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Skull of a newborn

Separation of the sutures

Contact your health care provider if:

• Your child has noticeably separated sutures, bulging fontanelles, or very obvious scalp veins
• There is redness, swelling, or discharge from the area of the sutures

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This will including examining the fontanelles and scalp veins and feeling (palpating) the sutures to find out how far they are separated.

The health care provider will ask questions about the child's medical history and symptoms, including:

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• Does the child have other symptoms (such as abnormal head circumference)?
• When did you first notice the separated sutures?
• Does it seem to be getting worse?
• Is the child otherwise well? (For example, are eating and activity patterns normal?)

The following tests may be performed:

• MRI of the head
• CT scan of the head
• Ultrasound of the head
• Infectious disease work-up, including blood cultures and possible spinal tap
• Metabolic work-up, such as blood tests to look at electrolyte levels
• Standard eye exam

Although your health care provider keeps records from routine examinations, you might find it helpful to keep 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.

Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).