Brachycephaly

Brachycephaly is an abnormal shortening of the skull, in which the cranial index is about 80.

With brachycephaly, the skull has a rounded shape due to shortening of the frontal and parietal bones. As a result, the head becomes wide and low.

Brachycephaly can be congenital or acquired. Congenital brachycephaly is associated with disorders of brain development. Acquired brachycephaly can develop as a result of premature fusion of cranial sutures.

Brachycephaly is characterized by a cranial index of about 80. The cranial index is the ratio of the maximum width of the skull to its maximum length, expressed as a percentage.

People with brachycephaly are called brachycephalics. Severe brachycephaly may cause problems with the development and functioning of the brain.



Brachycephaly: Abnormal shortening of the skull

Brachycephaly is a medical term that describes the abnormal shortening of the skull in humans. Shortening of the skull manifests itself in the form of a cranial index, which is approximately 80. Brachycephaly can be the result of various factors and have both natural and acquired causes.

The cranial index is a measure used to classify the shape of the skull. It is calculated by measuring the skull width (the width between the widest points of the skull) and the skull length (the distance from the front to the back of the skull) and dividing the width by the length. In normal individuals, the cranial index is usually around 75-85, indicating a eu- or mesocephalic skull shape. However, with brachycephaly, the cranial index is significantly lower and is approximately 80, which indicates a short skull shape.

Brachycephaly may be a congenital disorder due to genetic factors. Some ethnic groups, such as the Inuit and some African tribes, have an increased predisposition to brachycephaly. This may be due to adaptation to certain climatic conditions or evolutionary factors.

However, brachycephaly can also be an acquired condition caused by external influences early in the development of the skull. Some possible causes include pressure on the skull from the fetus in the womb (for example, in multiple pregnancies), prolonged use of cribs, restriction of the baby's head movement, or prolonged exposure to a supine position.

The symptoms and consequences of brachycephaly may vary depending on the degree of shortening of the skull and the age of the patient. For some people, brachycephaly may simply be a cosmetic defect that does not cause health problems. However, some patients may have associated problems, such as altered facial and skull shapes, abnormal teeth and jaws, breathing and hearing problems, developmental delays, and motor problems.

Treatment for brachycephaly depends on its cause and severity. In some cases, conservative methods such as physical therapy and changes in sleeping position can help improve the shape of the skull. However, more serious cases may require surgery. A surgery known as cranial reconstruction can be used to correct the shape of the skull by removing and rearranging bones. This procedure is usually performed in the early stages of development, when the bones of the skull are still flexible and amenable to modeling.

It is important to note that brachycephaly requires an individual approach to each patient, and treatment decisions must be made by a doctor specializing in head and neck plastic surgery or neurosurgery. Regular monitoring and consultation with medical professionals can help manage possible problems associated with brachycephaly.

In conclusion, brachycephaly is an abnormal shortening of the skull, characterized by a cranial index of about 80. This condition can be either congenital or acquired, and can have various consequences for the health of the patient. Treatment for brachycephaly may include conservative methods or surgery, depending on the individual case. Regular medical monitoring is an important aspect of managing this condition.



Brachycephaly is an anomaly characterized by shortening of the skull, in which its longitudinal diameter is less than its transverse diameter. Brachycephaly often affects domestic dog breeds such as pugs, Chinese Shar-Peis and Shih Tzus.

Under normal conditions, a dog's skull has a length to width ratio of approximately 1:1.25. However, in patients with brachycephalic syndrome, this ratio can be reduced to 1:0.8, which leads to drowning of the head in the shoulders. In rare cases where the index is 1:0.7