A bulging fontanelle in infants is characterized by the outward appearance of their soft spot (fontanelle). Under normal conditions, the fontanelle is curved inwards. But when the pressure inside the brain increases or if there is a fluid buildup, the tension within leads to the bulging of the fontanelle. The condition could be accompanied by fever and may require medical care. Read on to know more about the causes of bulging fontanelle, its diagnosis, and treatment.
What Is Fontanelle In Infants?
The skull consists of several bones, of which eight bones enclose and protect the brain. Each bone meets at a joint called a suture. In adults, the sutures are closed, but in infants, there is a space between the sutures filled with a membranous tissue. The space between the sutures is called a fontanelle or soft spot. The function of fontanelle is to allow the baby’s head to mold during delivery and support the brain’s growth during infancy. The sutures fuse over time due to the addition of minerals, and the soft spot eventually disappears. Since the skull has multiple bones, a baby has multiple fontanelles that close at different stages of infancy and toddlerhood (1). The following are the most notable fontanelles and the age at which they usually close.
Posterior fontanelle, situated in the back of the head, closes by one to two months of age.
Anterior fontanelle, on top of the head, closes between seven and 19 months after birth.
Normally the fontanelles feel firm and slightly curved inward to the touch. It is normal for fontanelles to bulge when an infant cries, vomits, or lays down. They return to normal when the infant is calm, in a head-up position. However, bulging fontanelle in other situations can be an indication of a pathology. A tense or bulging fontanelle occurs when fluid builds up in the brain or the brain itself swells – in any condition leading to increased pressure inside the skull.
Causes Of Bulging Fontanelle
It is important to note that bulging fontanelle is not a disease itself but rather a sign of an underlying disease or condition. An infant may have bulging fontanelle due to the following reasons (2).
Hydrocephalus, a condition that causes fluid buildup in the skull
High intracranial pressure
Encephalitis, swelling of the brain tissue commonly due to infections
Meningitis, an inflammation of the brain membranes
Intracranial hemorrhage
Head trauma
Hypoxic-ischemic injury due to deprivation of oxygen to the brain
Congenital hypothyroidism
Tumors
You may seek medical care to identify and begin treatment of causes since brain anomalies may lead to severe complications.
When To See A Doctor?
Prompt medical care is required if your baby has bulging fontanelle. Fever and drowsiness, along with bulging of soft spots, can be an indication of 2. Seek emergency care. Contact the doctor if the fontanelle is bulging, even if the baby remains calm and has no other symptoms.
Diagnosis Of Bulging Fontanelle
Medical history and physical examination may help to identify bulging fontanelle and its causes. The following tests may be done (3).
Lumbar puncture or spinal tap
Blood tests
CT scan of the head
MRI scan of the head
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
Surgical removal of tumors is done if present
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy could help infants with thyroid abnormalities
Intracranial pressure is managed with medications if present
