The word "craniomalacia" is a medical term that refers to a softening of the skull bones. It is pronounced /kræniəʊməleɪʃə/ (kran-ee-oh-muh-lay-shuh), where the stress is on the second syllable. The first four letters of the word, "cranio", come from the Greek word for skull, while "malacia" comes from the Greek word for softening. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to understand the pronunciation better and is useful for medical professionals who need to communicate clearly about this condition.
Craniomalacia is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by abnormal softening of the bones of the skull. The word itself is derived from the Greek words "crani-" meaning skull, and "malacia" meaning softening. This condition usually occurs in infants and is commonly associated with the incomplete development of the bones in the skull.
There are several potential causes of craniomalacia, including nutritional deficiencies, genetic disorders, or traumatic injuries. In some cases, the condition may be present at birth, while in others, it may develop later as a result of external factors. Craniomalacia can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as an abnormally shaped head, increased susceptibility to injury, delayed development of motor skills, and neurological problems.
Diagnosis of craniomalacia usually involves a thorough physical examination, medical history assessment, and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment options for craniomalacia depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, conservative management including regular monitoring and physical therapy may be sufficient to manage symptoms. However, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the abnormal bone softening and reshape the skull. Prognosis for individuals with craniomalacia varies depending on the specific circumstances, but with appropriate medical care, many infants can achieve satisfactory outcomes and go on to live healthy lives.
Softening of the bones of the skull.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word craniomalacia is derived from two Greek terms: kranion meaning skull and malakia meaning softness or weakness.