Craniosynostosis Side Effects Lawsuit

January 22, 2011


Cranio-facial Birth Defects and SSRI Antidepressants

According to scientific studies, women who take SSRI Antidepressants, such as Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram) and Celexa (citalopram) during her pregnancy are at least twice as likely to give birth to children with serious congenital birth defects like Craniosynostosis.  Craniosynostosis is a cranio-facial malformation birth defect. SSRI Antidepressant use during pregnancy has also been linked to congenital heart defects, lung defects,  limb deformities, clubfoot, as well as other cranio-facial malformations.

What is Craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a congenital Cranio-facial Malformation birth defect that causes one or more sutures on a baby’s head to close earlier than normal. Sutures are connections that separate each individual skull bones. The early closing of a suture leads to an abnormally shaped head.  There are different types of craniosynostosis. Sagittal synostosis (scaphocephaly) is the most common type. It affects the main (sagittal) suture on the very top of the head. The early closing forces the head to grow long and narrow, instead of wide. Babies with this type of craniosynostosis tend to have a broad forehead. It is more common in boys than girls.  Frontal plagiocephaly is the next most common form. It is the closure of one side of the suture that runs from ear to ear on the top of the head. It is more common in girls.  Metopic synostosis is a rare form of craniosynostosis that affects the suture close to the forehead. The child’s head shape may be described as trigonocephaly, and the deformity may range from mild to severe.


The cause of craniosynostosis is unknown. Which suture is involved determines the abnormal shape of the head.  A person’s genes may play a role in craniosynostosis. The hereditary form often occurs with other defects that can cause seizures, diminished intellectual capacity, and blindness.   Genetic disorders commonly associated with craniosynostosis include Crouzon, Apert, Carpenter, Chotzen, and Pfeiffer syndromes.  However, most cases of craniosynostosis occur in a family with no history of the condition and children with craniosynostosis are otherwise healthy and have normal intelligence. 


Absence of the normal feeling of a “soft spot” (fontanelle) on the newborn’s skull
Disappearance of the fontanelle early
A raised hard ridge along the affected sutures
Unusual head shape

Exams and Tests

The doctor will feel the infants head and perform a physical exam. A neurological exam would also help diagnose the condition. The following tests may be performed: Measuring the width of the infant’s head, X-rays of the skull, and CT scan of the head


The main treatment for craniosynostosis is surgery. Surgery is done while the baby is still an infant. The goals of surgery are:
Relieve any pressure on the brain
Improve the appearance of the child’s head

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on how many sutures are involved and whether other defects are present. Patients who have surgery usually do well, especially those whose condition is not association with a genetic syndrome.

Possible Complications



While you cannot prevent Craniosynostosis, it is important to bring your child to well-child visits, so your pediatrician can routinely chart the growth of your infant’s head over time. This will help identify the problem early if it occurs.  Persons with hereditary craniosynostosis might consider genetic counseling.

Alternative Names

Premature closure of sutures

SSRI Class Action Lawsuit vs. Individual SSRI Lawsuit




Speak to an SSRI Lawyer about an SSRI Birth Defect Lawsuit


