Fontanelles - sunken

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

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Skull of a newborn Sunken fontanelles (superior view)

Overview Treatment

Fontanelles - sunken

A sunken fontanelle CAN BE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY and should be evaluated promptly by a physician.

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting sunken fontanelles in detail may include:

• When did you first notice that the fontanelle looked sunken?
• How severe is it? How would you describe it?
• Which "soft spots" are affected?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Has the baby been ill, especially with vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating?
• Is the skin turgor poor?
• Is the baby thirsty?
• Is the baby alert?
• Are the eyes dry?
• Is the mouth moist?

• Blood tests such as CBC, blood chemistries, and urinalysis
• An assessment of the nutritional status

Treatment may include referral to a facility that can provide intravenous (IV) fluids if the sunken fontanelle is associated with dehydration.

After seeing your health care provider:

You may want to add a diagnosis related to sunken fontanelles to your personal medical record.

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