Skull Shape Changes: Is It Normal at 19?

The bones of the skull?

Hello, doctor.
I have a question: I previously didn't have a bump on the top of my head, but recently I've been feeling very anxious, which often leads to a throbbing pain at the top of my head.
When I massage it, I noticed a protrusion (the pain is localized there).
I went to see an orthopedic doctor, who pressed on the bump and asked if it hurt, to which I replied no.
He recommended an X-ray, and after reviewing it, he said it was just my normal skull shape and nothing to worry about.
I didn't ask further questions, but upon reflection, I feel like there wasn't a bump before.
Is it possible for it to have developed later? I'm already 19 years old.
Also, could the development of this bump be related to my anxiety? Are there any methods to change the shape of my head (to make it more rounded, as the current shape is quite uncomfortable)? I really don't want to make another trip to the clinic.
Please help! (Clinic location: Fengshan Pan Mingxiang Orthopedics)

Pang Ding, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/07/26

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics

The protrusion on the top of the head can be revealed by a skull X-ray, and by the age of 19, the skull should be fully formed, which suggests it is unrelated to mental processes.
Any confusion in thoughts may fall under the domain of psychosomatic medicine.

Reply Date: 2014/07/26

More Info

At the age of 19, it is indeed unusual for significant changes in skull shape to occur, as most of the cranial bones have completed their growth by this time. The human skull is made up of several bones that fuse together during childhood and adolescence, typically completing this process by the late teenage years. However, there are a few factors to consider regarding your concerns about the changes in your skull shape and the discomfort you are experiencing.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the skull can appear to change shape due to various reasons, including changes in posture, muscle tension, or even the way hair is styled. Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension in the neck and scalp, which might contribute to a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the head. This tension can also create a perception of changes in the skull shape, especially if you are more aware of your head and its contours due to discomfort or pain.

Regarding the specific bump you mentioned on your head, it is possible that what you are feeling is a normal anatomical feature that you may not have noticed before. The skull has natural variations, and small protrusions can be more prominent in some individuals than others. If your doctor performed an X-ray and confirmed that there are no abnormalities, it is likely that this is simply a benign anatomical variation.

As for the possibility of the skull continuing to grow or change shape at your age, significant changes are unlikely unless there are underlying medical conditions such as Paget's disease or other metabolic bone disorders, which are rare. If the bump is not causing you pain or discomfort, it may be best to monitor it rather than seek immediate intervention.

If you are concerned about the aesthetics of your skull shape, it is essential to consult with a specialist, such as a plastic surgeon or a craniofacial surgeon, who can provide options if you are looking for cosmetic changes. However, surgical intervention for skull shape is typically reserved for cases of significant deformity or medical necessity rather than for aesthetic preferences.

In summary, while it is understandable to be concerned about changes in your skull shape, especially at a young age, it is likely that what you are experiencing is within the range of normal anatomical variation. Stress and muscle tension could be contributing to your discomfort, and addressing these factors through relaxation techniques or stress management may help alleviate some of the pressure you are feeling. If you continue to have concerns or if the discomfort worsens, it would be prudent to follow up with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

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