Sunken FontanellesSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Sunken Fontanelles
Sunken fontanelles are an obvious curving inward of the "soft spot" in an infant's head.
Sunken fontanelles; Soft spot - sunken
The skull is made up of many bones. There are 8 bones in the skull itself and 14 bones in the face area. They join together to form a solid, bony cavity that protects and supports the brain. The areas where the bones join together are called the sutures.
The bones are not joined together firmly at birth. This allows the head to change shape to help it pass through the birth canal. The sutures gradually gain minerals and harden, firmly joining the skull bones together. This process is called ossification.
In an infant, the space where 2 sutures join forms a membrane-covered "soft spot" called a fontanelle (fontanel). The fontanelles allow the brain and skull to grow during an infant's first year.
There are normally several fontanelles on a newborn's skull. They are located mainly at the top, back, and sides of the head. Like the sutures, fontanelles harden over time and become closed, solid, bony areas.
- The fontanelle in the back of the head (posterior fontanelle) most often closes by age 1 to 2 months.
- The fontanelle at the top of the head (anterior fontanelle) most often closes within 7 to 19 months.
The fontanelles should feel firm and should curve inward slightly to the touch. A noticeably sunken fontanelle is a sign that the infant does not have enough fluid in their body.
Reasons a child may have sunken fontanelles include:
- Dehydration (not enough fluid in the body)
- Malnutrition
A sunken fontanelle can be a medical emergency. A health care provider should check the infant right away.
The provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the child's symptoms and medical history, such as:
- 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 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 baby's eyes dry?
- Is the baby's mouth moist?
Tests may include:
- Blood chemistries
- CBC
- Urinalysis
- Tests to check the baby's nutritional status
You might be referred to a health care facility that can provide intravenous (IV) fluids if the sunken fontanelle is caused by dehydration.
OSF Saint Katharine - Center For Health
Gregory Reckamp is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Oregon, Illinois. Dr. Reckamp is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sunken Fontanelles. He is also highly rated in 31 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Coronary Heart Disease, Atherosclerosis, Primary Orthostatic Tremor, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, and Endoscopy. Dr. Reckamp is board certified in American Board Of Family Medicine. Dr. Reckamp is currently accepting new patients.
Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (MMC)
Robert Humphrey is a Pediatrics provider practicing medicine in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Dr. Humphrey is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sunken Fontanelles. His clinical expertise encompasses Developmental Dysphasia Familial, Sunken Fontanelles, Viral Gastroenteritis, and Delayed Growth. Dr. Humphrey is board certified in Board Certified American Board Of Pediatrics. Dr. Humphrey is currently accepting new patients.
MUSC Children's Health Neurosurgery At Summey Medical Pavilion
Ramin Eskandari is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in North Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Eskandari is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sunken Fontanelles. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hydrocephalus, Rathke Cleft Cyst, Sunken Fontanelles, Posterior Fossa Decompression, and Thrombectomy. Dr. Eskandari is currently accepting new patients.
Published Date: January 17, 2025
Published By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Parga-Belinkie JJ. The newborn infant. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 115.
Wright CJ, Posencheg MA, Seri I. Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. In: Gleason CA, Sawyer T, eds. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 20.