Craniofacial

Some of the conditions are due to changes in the genes, whilst others are not. The geneticists can give information to parents about the cause, the chances of further children having the condition, and help to identify other difficulties that might be anticipated with a particular gene change or condition, that may be important for the overall health and development of their child.

To support parents and patients throughout their treatment, including at diagnosis, helping prepare the child and parents for treatment interventions, monitoring cognitive and social development, and providing advice if there are any concerns about psychological wellbeing.

Some patients require help with language development and speech, so most patients have regular speech and language assessments, and the therapist can advise if difficulties are identified. Speech and language therapists are also experts on feeding difficulties and can investigate and advise if there are feeding problems.

Orthodontists are experts in jaw and dental development, and some patients may benefit from orthodontic (brace) treatment. All patients are checked at intervals as they grow, so treatment can be provided at the optimum time if appropriate.

It is very important to maintain the health of the baby and adult teeth, so regular dental checks are carried out, advice given and treatment provided where necessary.

The eye specialist can check the eyes for conditions (such as squint) which can be associated with craniofacial conditions, and the eye examination can give useful information about whether there is too much pressure on the brain because of skull bone fusion. Oculoplastic surgeons are eye doctors who are experts in treating problems around the eye, including the eye lids.

Some patients may have restricted air passages in the nose and throat causing difficulty in breathing, and the ENT specialists can investigate, diagnose and treat these problems. In some patients, hearing may be affected, and ENT specialists, who work closely with Audiologists, also investigate and treat hearing difficulties.

Many craniofacial conditions affect head growth, and potentially affect development of the brain. Neurosurgeons are experts at assessing and preventing or treating this kind of problem if it occurs. In addition, many of the operations performed require neurosurgeons working alongside other members of the team.

The maxillofacial and plastic surgeons are expert in skull, facial and jaw problems, and in techniques to correct deformity to improve both appearance and function of the bones and soft tissues of the face and jaws. They work closely together with each other and the neurosurgeons. 

Surgeon in the final year of training, wishing to specialise in their future career, so that skills can be passed to the next generation of craniofacial surgeons.

Nurses who are highly skilled and experienced in the day-to-day practicalities of caring for children with craniofacial conditions. They advise parents on any issues of concern, see patients in clinic, discuss forthcoming operations, supervise care before and after operations, and provide a point of contact for patients and parents (usually by email).

To liaise between parents and patients, team members and other departments, and arrange appointments and meetings, and ensure that the highly complex service runs as smoothly as possible.