In the US, approximately 600,000 individuals have been diagnosed with a craniofacial disorder. Medical experts define the condition as an abnormal growth of a part of the face or head, which happens to children while in their mother’s womb.
What causes the craniofacial condition and can it be treated?
Luckily, this is treatable. A known treatment for this disorder is through surgery. Have Facial Reconstruction in Brisbane clinic for treatment of this disorder. Treatment approaches will, however, rely on the causative factors. There are three common triggers to the condition:
1.Genetics: It may be triggered at conception when parental genes combine.
2.Deficiency of the folic acid: Mothers who fail to take sufficient folic acid at their time of pregnancy, risk delivering a child with the condition. Folic acid is a form of B vitamin contained in orange and vegetable juices.
3.Environmental predisposition: Researchers argue that certain genetically-triggered craniofacial conditions may be environmentally driven.
Treatment of the disorder:
Treatment cannot be effected from one medical aspect as each condition pertains to unique factors such as genetics, physical appearance, and a systematic composition. It, therefore, entails a multidisciplinary approach in which experts from various medical fields such as neurosurgery, dentistry, prosthodontics, anesthesia, and social work are involved.
Common treatments include:
- Medication
Certain forms of craniofacial conditions can self-resolve after birth. Craniofacial conditions such as hemangioma, which entails an abnormal growth of a blood vessel during birth may resolve as a child develops, with little medication.
- Reconstructive Surgery
Surgery is one of the most popular treatments of craniofacial disorders. Cleft palate, a condition characterized by the separation of either the lip or the palate, is commonly resolved via surgery. Surgery is undertaken after the following analyses are done:
- Physical exam: The exam helps doctors understand the distinctive features of a craniofacial disorder. The tests may include a skull examination and CT scans.
- Analysis of the patient’s genetic history: In order to evaluate the chances of a genetically triggered condition, a child’s family history is analyzed to rule off chances of genetic faultiness at conception.
Although surgery and medication are common treatment approaches, therapy also qualifies. Therapists, for instance, offer tips to parents and children on how to adapt to life activities such as feeding after undergoing surgery. Also, children with irreversible craniofacial conditions need to undergo social therapy to counter confidence and self-esteem challenges associated with the stigma they may face.