The Craniofacial Team

What kind of medical providers treat craniofacial abnormalities?

The treatment of these disorders requires the involvement of experts from multiple medical and surgical specialties (disciplines). The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and other cleft palate associations worldwide agree that management of patients with craniofacial anomalies is best provided by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

When should my child see a craniofacial team?

The optimal time for the first evaluation is within your child's first few weeks of life. The focus of the team visit is to help correct your child's physical problems, as well as facilitate social and psychological adaptation at each stage of life. Usually, your child will be seen at frequent intervals as an infant and then on an annual, or semi-annual basis thereafter.

The craniofacial anomaly treatment team:

There may be many people involved in the management of craniofacial anomalies for your child, because the skills of many different areas are needed to help with the problems that may arise. The following are some of the members of the craniofacial team:

• Craniofacial/Plastic Surgeon- a surgeon with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the soft tissues and skeletal structures of the skull and face. A team leader, the craniofacial/plastic surgeon works closely with all other team members to develop and coordinate an individualized, comprehensive surgical/medical treatment plan

• Orthodontist- A dentist whose discipline assesses the position and alignment of the teeth. A craniofacial or surgical orthodontist has additional subspecialty training which focuses on the management of the complex dentofacial issues which arise in the cleft/craniofacial arena. Creating and coordinating the treatment plan with the surgical staff, the orthodontist plays an integral role in the life of the cleft/craniofacial patient

• Pediatric Neurosurgeon- a surgeon who specializes in the management of all issues related to the nervous system and its surrounding structures. These areas include the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Especially relevant to the craniofacial field, neurosurgeons, either alone or in conjunction with craniofacial surgeons, manage anomalies of the skull such as craniosynostosis

• Pediatric anesthesiologist- an anesthesiologist with specialized training in the management of the pediatric patient

• Pediatric intensivist - a pediatrician specially trained to care for the complex issues associated with ICU level care

• Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeon - these surgeons take from the dental field and bring a unique perspective to the management of cases which xxx with dental harmony.

• Pediatric ophthalmologist - a physician who specializes in the structures, functionality, and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist evaluates and plans treatment of associated eye problems in coordination with other surgical interventions

• Geneticist- a specialist in the field of genetic medicine, a geneticist is an expert diagnostician who researches your medical, family and social history in an effort to identify and name a craniofacial/cleft anomaly present. The geneticist will then give counsel regarding the possible future occurrence of a craniofacial/cleft syndrome in the event of future pregnancies

• Pediatrician - a physician who will follow your child as he/she grows and help coordinate the multiple specialists involved

• Pediatric dentist - a dentist who evaluates and cares for your child's teeth

• Pediatric Gastroenterologist- a pediatrician with specialty training in the management of problems associated with the digestive system. Gastroenterologists will coordinate with feeding specialists in order to enhance dietary intake

• Pediatric Pulmonologist- a pediatrician with specialty training in the management of airway and/or respiratory (breathing) problems.

• Pediatric Surgeon- a general surgeon who has advanced subspecialty training in the management of general childhood surgical diseases childhood surgical issues

• Feeding Specialist- a professional who works with the team of physicians to diagnose and treat issues that relate to the process of eating

• Psychologist - a healthcare professional whose field focuses on the mental health and social development of each patient

• Pediatric Radiologist - a physician whose expertise i nradiology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of childhood disease

• Speech and Language Specialist - a professional who will perform a comprehensive speech evaluation to assess your child's communicative abilities and who will closely monitor your child throughout all developmental stages

• Ptolaryngologist (ear-nose-throat specialist) - a physician who will assist in the evaluation and management of ear infections and hearing loss that may be side effects of your child's cleft abnormality

• Audiologist (hearing specialist) - a professional who will assist in the evaluation and management of any hearing difficulties your child may have

• Craniofacial Coordinator - a registered nurse who combines experience in pediatric nursing with specialization in the care of your child, and acts as liaison between your family and the craniofacial team

• Social Worker - a professional who provides guidance and counseling for your child and your family in dealing with the social and emotional aspects of a craniofacial abnormality and assists your family with community resources and referrals (i.e., support groups)

• Psychiatrist - a physician who assesses the psychosocial function and behavioral development of your child. The psychiatrist will assist the family in identifying therapy resources and coordinates referrals with the social services department.