Sunken fontanel

Depression of the fontanelles in an infant’s skull, typically indicating reduced intracranial volume due to decreased body water or reduced tissue volume.

Causes

• Dehydration: Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, burns, or inadequate intake

• Diabetes insipidus

• Nutritional causes

  • Malnutrition

  • Kwashiorkor

  • Failure to thrive