Congenital craniocerebral malformations are birth defects in the shape or structure of the skull and brain. Some are spotted at birth, others slip past infancy and announce themselves later with quiet but stubborn clues.

Head shape is often the first giveaway. One side may look flat, the ridge of a suture feels too early, or the whole skull is long and narrow like a boat.

A swollen soft spot or a soft spot that closes too soon can signal the brain is fighting for room.

Seizures may arrive early. A newborn may have brief jerks, blank stares, or full-body shakes that parents call “startle spells.”

Feeding can be hard. The baby chokes, tires quickly, or arches the back during bottles because swallowing nerves are pinched.

Delays crawl in next. Sitting, walking, or talking come late, and one side of the body stays weaker or tighter.

Vision or hearing may dim. A child ignores loud toys, bumps into walls, or the eyes wobble side-to-side.

Later, headaches, vomiting, or a sudden growth spurt of the head can mean pressure is rising inside.