Metopic Craniosynostosis is the premature closure, usually before birth, of the frontal metopic suture which derives in a condition called trigonocephaly because of the triangle-shaped forehead, especially seen from the top. Metopic Craniosynostosis comprises a quarter of all cases or 20-25 percent of all synostosis diagnosis.

While many children are asymptomatic and only show mild physical affectation, others can have vision problems, cognitive regression, ADHD and Autism tendencies or symptoms, and in some cases violent headaches and dangerous intracranial pressure.

Mild Metopic Craniosynostosis is the version of the deformity that is less pronounced and it is usually not operated on children in the United States unless there are neurological symptoms or a high degree of intracranial pressure that requires surgery.  Mild cases have been operated on outside the USA for decades and data compiled by Dr. Shimoji in Japan shows that even in mild cases, surgery can yield outcomes that vastly improve lives of children in several areas that might have been affected by the trigonocephaly, such as Autism and other behavioral problems like regression, cognitive potential and speech recovery.

Our child James had Mild Trigonocephaly and exhibited severe Autistic and language regression issues, after surgery we have noticed and documented big positive improvements in his quality of life and some language has already returned to some degree by month 3 post-op.

If your child has neurological or cognitive symptoms and a mild trigonocephaly  Metopic Cranio condition, then you should read about our experience with James and Dr. Shimoji’s work on children with it.

Important Links on Metopic Craniosynostosis:

Cappskids dot Org:

CHOC Children’s Neuroscience Institute

Cranio Care Bears Support organization (AWESOME!!!)

  • A support group created by two moms of patients that offer a care package for making your surgery easier. We suggest you visit, ask for a kit and donate to their cause. We can’t thank them enough for their help in our case!

Craniosynostosis Articles:

Paper on Neurodevelopmental Problems in Non-Syndromic Craniosynostosis

Boston Children’s Hospital: