• Your child has noticeably separated sutures, bulging fontanelles, or prominent scalp veins
• There is redness, swelling, or discharge from the area of the sutures

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Your health care provider will palpate (feel) the sutures to determine the degree of separation. In addition, the fontanelles and scalp veins will be examined. If there are abnormal findings, the nervous system and vision will be evaluated in detail.

The help evaluate the problem, the doctor may ask:

• Have other abnormalities been present (such as abnormal head circumference)?
• When did you first notice that the sutures were separated?
• Does it seem to be getting worse?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Is the child otherwise well? (e.g., normal eating, activity patterns)

• MRI of the head
• CT scan of the head
• Ultrasound of the head
• Infectious disease workup (blood cultures, cultures from various other tissues possibly including a spinal tap)
• Metabolic workup (blood tests to look at electrolyte levels as well as tests for suspected causes)
• Standard ophthalmic exam