INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS RELATED TO BRACHYCEPHALY: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Prenatal and gestational factors influence embryonic formation directly and indirectly. Its capabilities to influence cranial malformation are the subject of research around the world and a global understanding of this influence is needed. The present review seeks to compile and correlate the internal and external factors responsible for the presence of brachycephaly. To this end, studies were selected that were divided into two groups of triggering factors: external and internal. The literature contemplates that among the external factors: the maternal smoking habit, the time of delivery and the age of the parents are correlated factors. Among the internal factors are genetic factors, trisomy 21 and basilar invagination. Knowledge of these factors can contribute to the formation of screening, diagnosis, and early treatment policies.