Fontanelles - sunken

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Skull of a newborn

Sunken fontanelles (superior view)

Sunken fontanelles; Soft spot - sunken

A sunken fontanelle CAN BE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY and a health care provider should check it right away.

The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about the child's symptoms and medical history, such as:

• When did you first notice that the fontanelle looked sunken?
• How severe is it? How would you describe it?
• Which "soft spots" are affected?
• What other symptoms are present?
• Has the baby been ill, especially with vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating?
• Is the skin turgor poor?
• Is the baby thirsty?
• Is the baby alert?
• Are the baby's eyes dry?
• Is the baby's mouth moist?

Tests may include:

• Blood chemistries
• CBC
• Urinalysis
• Tests to check the baby's nutritional status

You might be referred to a place that can provide intravenous (IV) fluids if the sunken fontanelle is caused by dehydration.

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).

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