Neonatology Book

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Newborn Head and Neck Exam

Aka: Newborn Head and Neck Exam
  1. See Also
    1. Newborn Neurologic Exam
    2. Craniosynostosis
    3. Fontanelle
    4. Head Circumference
  2. Head
    1. Molding
      1. Over-riding of cranial bones
      2. Normal finding at delivery
      3. Resolves spontaneously over first 5 days of life
    2. Caput Succedaneum
      1. Skin or soft tissue edema
    3. Vacuum Caput
      1. Associated with vacuum extractor usage
    4. Encephalocele or Meningocele
      1. Midline swelling
    5. Fontanelles
      1. Anterior Fontanelle and Posterior Fontanelle
      2. Fontanelle should be soft, not sunken
    6. Head Circumference
      1. Head Circumference normally 33 to 38 cm
    7. Facial Asymmetry (e.g. while crying)
      1. Weakness Depressor Anguli Oris at corner mouth
  3. Ears: Low set ears
    1. Below lateral canthus of eye
    2. Associated with genitourinary anomalies
  4. Nose
    1. Babies are obligate nose breathers until 4 months old
    2. Check patency with stethoscope (listen over nares)
    3. Fixed obstruction suggests Choanal Atresia
  5. Mouth
    1. Cleft Palate
    2. Benign retention cysts
    3. Neonatal Teeth (usually require extraction)
  6. Neck
    1. Webbing
    2. Clefts
    3. Masses
    4. ThyroidGoiters are rare

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