Concerns About My 1-Year-Old's Development and Health Issues
The baby is currently 1 year and 7 months old, and there is a depression in his fontanelle? Hello doctor, my baby is currently one year and seven months old. He has a depression in his fontanelle that is about 10 centimeters long and one and a half fingers wide. He often has diar...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Infants with abnormal head shapes and developmental delays, characterized by wide cranial sutures and a prominent forehead, may require an evaluation for potential brain abnormalities. It is recommended to consult a pediatric neurologist at a major hospital for further assessment...[Read More] Concerns About My 1-Year-Old's Development and Health Issues
Understanding Small Fontanelles in Infants: Impacts and Assessments
The baby's fontanelle is small? Hello, Doctor: When my son was born, the doctor told me that the baby's fontanelle was small and needed to be monitored. The baby's head circumference at birth was 36 cm. Will a small fontanelle at birth affect brain development? Wha...
Dr. Ma Zhihao Reply:
The anterior fontanelle measures approximately two centimeters and typically closes around 18 months after birth. The size can vary among individuals, and regular outpatient follow-up is sufficient. Height, weight, and head circumference can be referenced against the growth chart...[Read More] Understanding Small Fontanelles in Infants: Impacts and Assessments
Understanding Bilateral Basal Ganglia Hyperintensity in Children: Symptoms and Prognosis
Pediatric brain Hello, doctor. My child underwent a brain ultrasound examination at birth, which showed bilateral basal ganglia hyperintensity. 1) What effects could this have? What symptoms might arise? What is the prognosis like? Until what age should we monitor this to feel ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. This is a very common report for neonatal cranial ultrasound examinations, and the vast majority are insignificant and not abnormal. Follow-up should be conducted according to the recommendations of the pediatrician. 2 & 3. There should be no correlation; monitor the head ...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Basal Ganglia Hyperintensity in Children: Symptoms and Prognosis
Understanding Open Fontanelle at Age Two: What Parents Should Know
The anterior fontanelle has not closed by the age of two? It is common for some children to have an open anterior fontanelle at the age of two. The anterior fontanelle typically closes between 9 to 18 months, but in some cases, it may remain open until the child is 24 months or o...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Aside from the head circumference not being excessively large (>97%), it is important to monitor whether the head circumference growth curve has remained stable without significant deviations. If both conditions are met and neurological development is normal, it may simply be ...[Read More] Understanding Open Fontanelle at Age Two: What Parents Should Know
Essential Guide to Newborn Thyroid Screening and Symptoms
Neonatal thyroid issues Due to my hyperthyroidism, I continued to take medication during my pregnancy. My child was born on March 20th, weighing 3100 grams. When is the most appropriate time to arrange for a newborn thyroid function test to avoid delaying treatment? Additionally,...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Pregnant women with hyperthyroidism who continue to take medication during pregnancy may have these drugs cross the placenta, potentially affecting the baby. Fortunately, these medications are metabolized in the infant's body within a few weeks. In Taiwan, normal newb...[Read More] Essential Guide to Newborn Thyroid Screening and Symptoms
Understanding Elevated Total CK Levels in Infants: What Parents Should Know
The total CK level for a 6-month-old baby is 488? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My baby is currently over six months old. He is not very good at sitting up; he only supports himself with his left hand on the ground and sits awkwardly while playing with toys using his right hand. He started cr...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
CPK (creatine phosphokinase) is predominantly located within muscle cells, and an elevation of CPK in the blood generally indicates muscle damage. There can be many reasons for muscle damage in infants, and a variety of tests may be required, making it difficult to detail all pos...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total CK Levels in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Infant Head Circumference: What Parents Should Know
Infant head circumference Hello doctor, my child had a larger head circumference during pregnancy, measuring 37.5 cm at birth. Both the brain ultrasounds performed at birth and at two months were normal, and the head circumference has continued to grow normally each month without...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! 1. At 6 months, a head circumference of 47 cm has exceeded the 95th percentile, indicating macrocephaly. 2. The causes of macrocephaly include: a. Familial macrocephaly, which is related to genetics b. Hydrocephalus c. Brain tumor d. Intracranial hemorrhage/...[Read More] Understanding Infant Head Circumference: What Parents Should Know
Should You Take Your Baby to the Hospital for a Swollen Fontanel?
Swelling and redness of the fontanelle? My baby is eleven months old, with a corrected age of ten months. While playing, he suddenly fell and hit his head against my teeth. My teeth are not aligned properly, and he hit the protruding part of my tooth with such force that it cause...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! The anterior fontanelle typically closes between 9 to 18 months of age. Before it closes, there are rich blood vessels beneath the fontanelle, which may bleed or swell due to severe trauma. A soft hematoma within the scalp should not be drained, as it usually resolves on i...[Read More] Should You Take Your Baby to the Hospital for a Swollen Fontanel?
Understanding Fontanelle Closure Issues in Toddlers: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Closure of the anterior fontanelle issue? Hello Doctor: My child is currently 2 years and 8 months old, with a head circumference of 52 cm, height of 92 cm, and weight of 14 kg. He has no issues with running, jumping, or language expression. Since he turned 2, I have been observi...
Dr. Lin Yishou Reply:
Hello parents, if you are concerned, you can start with an ultrasound.[Read More] Understanding Fontanelle Closure Issues in Toddlers: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Concerns About Pressure on an Infant's Fontanel: What Parents Should Know
The anterior fontanelle is compressed? Hello Doctor: My youngest son is about 3 months old. Yesterday, while I was gently touching his fontanelle, my 5-year-old son pressed down on it a few times when I wasn't paying attention. Could this cause any brain damage to my younges...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The anterior fontanelle of an infant is not as fragile as one might think. I believe that if there was no prolonged crying, agitation, or even temporary loss of consciousness at that time, there should be no major issues. I think that in cases of suspected head trauma, one should...[Read More] Concerns About Pressure on an Infant's Fontanel: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Enlarged Lateral Ventricles in Preterm Infants: Key Concerns
Enlarged lateral ventricles? I would like to consult a physician regarding my child, who was born prematurely at 28 weeks with a birth weight of only 840 grams. Approximately two weeks after birth, he experienced grade 3 intraventricular hemorrhage, but later stabilized and gradu...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Piracetam is a relatively mild medication, and long-term use does not show significant side effects. Please follow your physician's advice and do not discontinue the medication without consultation. Currently, the development and his corrective age do not show significant de...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lateral Ventricles in Preterm Infants: Key Concerns
Can Hairbands Affect My Baby's Brain Development?
Is it okay to wear a headband? Doctor, my child is currently eight months old and I forgot that his anterior fontanelle has not yet closed. He is wearing a headband with spikes, and he has very little hair. There is no bleeding or injury. Will this affect his brain or intelligenc...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The pressure from the headband is not significant, and it is not worn all day, so it is unlikely to have any impact.[Read More] Can Hairbands Affect My Baby's Brain Development?
Concerns About Nail Contact with Infant's Fontanel: What Parents Should Know
Nail used for anterior fontanelle? Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. My child is 2 months old, and I accidentally scratched the area around his anterior fontanelle with my fingernail while touching him. Is this a concern? Could it have harmed him? Thank you. (After the in...
Dr. He Shenglong Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if the nail accidentally touched the fontanelle, just monitor for any signs of inflammation; it should not cause any harm, so please don't worry too much. When a child has increased intracranial pressure, the fontanelle may bulge and feel te...[Read More] Concerns About Nail Contact with Infant's Fontanel: What Parents Should Know
Is Late Closure of Fontanelle in Toddlers a Cause for Concern?
The fontanelle has not yet closed at one year and eight months? A boy who is one year and eight months old still has a palpable anterior fontanelle. The literature states that the anterior fontanelle typically closes between one year and one and a half years of age. Is it concern...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The anterior fontanelle typically closes around 18 months of age on average, although it is normal for some to close later. It is important to monitor the child's development for any abnormalities. It is recommended to visit a major hospital's pediatric neurology depart...[Read More] Is Late Closure of Fontanelle in Toddlers a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Brain Ultrasound Findings in Infants: What Parents Should Know
The doctor mentioned that there are bright spots on the brain ultrasound. Will this affect future development? When the child was born, a cranial ultrasound was performed, and the report showed bright spots. At 7 months, a follow-up examination revealed that the bright spot on th...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
There are many reasons for the presence of bright spots, such as small calcifications, or they may simply be due to interference from the machine or the operation. In principle, as long as the baby is growing and developing normally, there is no need for intervention even if ther...[Read More] Understanding Brain Ultrasound Findings in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Is My Baby Okay After Falling from Bed? Signs to Watch For
The baby fell off the bed? My baby is over eight months old! He accidentally fell off the bed... the bed is quite high (about 100 centimeters)! At that moment, he cried very loudly for about five minutes! After crying, he immediately fell back asleep! He was already sleeping befo...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
In cases of head trauma, it is important to monitor for intracranial hemorrhage. During the acute phase, observation should last for three days, while less common chronic bleeding requires observation for one week. It is essential to monitor the patient's level of consciousn...[Read More] Is My Baby Okay After Falling from Bed? Signs to Watch For
Concerns About Baby's Small Head Circumference: When to Seek Neurological Evaluation?
The baby's head circumference is too small? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My baby was born at 38 weeks and 3 days, and is now 2 months and 3 days old. During each check-up, the head circumference has been measuring 2 weeks smaller. My husband, my older child, and I all had normal head ci...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The average head circumference of a normal newborn is 34 centimeters. During the first six months after birth, it typically increases by 8 to 10 centimeters. Therefore, your baby's rate of head circumference increase is not abnormal; it is just that the head circumference wa...[Read More] Concerns About Baby's Small Head Circumference: When to Seek Neurological Evaluation?
What to Do If Your Baby Hits Their Head: Concerns and Care Tips
If a child accidentally gets hit on the head, it is important to monitor them for any signs of a concussion or other head injury. Symptoms to watch for include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, or changes in behavior. If any of these symptoms occur, or if the chil...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Neurological symptoms following head trauma should be monitored for 3 to 7 days, including any changes in consciousness (such as drowsiness), limb weakness, persistent and significant vomiting, severe headaches, noticeable irritability, or even seizures. The presence of intracran...[Read More] What to Do If Your Baby Hits Their Head: Concerns and Care Tips
Understanding Hydrocephalus in Infants: MRI Insights and Growth Monitoring
Hydrocephalus and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Dear Dr. Hsiao, My younger brother is seven months and thirteen days old. Today, we went for a follow-up ultrasound of his brain because he was previously diagnosed with hydrocephalus. The first ultrasound showed a hydrocephalus...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. After birth, an infant's head circumference typically increases by an average of 8 to 10 centimeters in the first six months, and by about 2 to 4 centimeters in the second six months. You can estimate this growth or use the growth charts in the child's health booklet...[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus in Infants: MRI Insights and Growth Monitoring
Common Pediatric Concerns: Baby Feeding, Development, and Health Issues
I have some questions to ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, Question 1: My baby is currently 3 months old and has one feeding of breast milk combined with formula milk, approximately 60-180cc each time. After feeding, when I burp him, I can hear water sounds in his stomach. Is this n...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. It is normal for newborns to have thin abdominal walls, which makes sound conduction more pronounced. 2. There is no specific standard for fontanelle bulging, but a "slight curvature" should not be considered abnormal. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure ma...[Read More] Common Pediatric Concerns: Baby Feeding, Development, and Health Issues