Is a bulging fontanelle normal?
A healthy fontanelle should be firm to the touch and curve slightly inward. Sometimes, if an infant is crying, lying down, or vomiting, it may appear to bulge slightly, but should return to normal when they are in a calm, upright position. If it quickly returns to normal, it is not a true bulging fontanelle.
When should I worry about a bulging fontanelle?
A bulging fontanel is an emergency. It can be a sign of pressure rising inside the skull which may result in damage to the baby’s developing brain. If your child is experiencing this symptom, seek medical attention immediately.
What does it mean when the fontanelle is bulging?
A tense or bulging fontanelle occurs when fluid builds up in the brain or the brain swells, causing increased pressure inside the skull. When the infant is crying, lying down, or vomiting, the fontanelles may look like they are bulging.
Can vaccine cause bulging fontanelle?
Transient bulging fontanelle has been reported following diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, diphtheriatetanus (DT) and acellular pertussis vaccines. Its recurrence following subsequent vaccinations with DT has been documented [4], but association of measles vaccination has so far not been reported.
What are the symptoms of meningitis in babies?
Say that you are worried it could be meningitis or septicaemia.
- Tense or bulging soft spot.
- High temperature. (
- Very sleepy / staing / expression / too sleepy to wake up.
- Breathing fast / difficulty breathing.
- Extreme shivering.
- ‘Pin prick’ rash / marks or purple bruises anywhere on the body.
- Sometimes diarrhoea.
What happens if baby’s soft spot is pressed?
A baby’s soft spots are called fontanelles. They allow your baby’s brain to grow larger at a fast rate over their first year of life. It’s important to avoid pressing into their soft spots, as it could cause damage to their skull or brain.
What does a sunken Fontanel look like?
The one on the top of the head remains present until your baby is between 7 and 19 months old. A baby’s soft spots should be relatively firm and curve ever so slightly inward. A soft spot with a noticeable inward curve is known as a sunken fontanel.
What does a sunken fontanel look like?
What happens if you accidentally bump a baby’s soft spot?
Can I hurt my baby’s brain if I touch the soft spot? Many parents worry that their baby will be injured if the soft spot is touched or brushed over. The fontanel is covered by a thick, tough membrane which protects the brain. There is absolutely no danger of damaging your baby with normal handling.
What is the best treatment for bulging fontanel?
Treatment For Bulging Fontanelle The treatment options may vary according to the cause and may include the following. Brain infections are treated with antibiotics or antivirals, depending on the etiologic agents. Surgical procedures may be performed to create shunts in hydrocephalus to drain excess fluid
What does a bulging fontanelle look like?
The fontanelles should feel firm and very slightly curved inward to the touch. A tense or bulging fontanelle occurs when fluid builds up in the brain or the brain swells, causing increased pressure inside the skull. When the infant is crying, lying down, or vomiting, the fontanelles may look like they are bulging.
Is a pulsing Fontanelle normal?
The pulsating of the fontanel in a child is a normal phenomenon that occurs because of the transfer of the shock force of the heart to the vessels when it is contracted. And if such a pulsation is rhythmic and corresponds to a pulsation in the carotid artery, then do not worry.
When should the anterior fontanelle close?
There are normally two fontanels, both in the midline of the skull, one (the anterior fontanel) well in front of the other (the posterior fontanel). The posterior fontanel closes first, at latest by the age of 8 weeks in a full-term baby. The anterior fontanel closes at 18 months of age on the average but it can close normally as early as 9 months.