Pathological and non-pathological alterations in cranial shape: do they relate to impaired cognitive function?

Skull shape is variable in normal humans, but certain pathological and nonpathological conditions modify these genetically programmed shapes. In achondroplasia (FGFR-3 mutation), cranial shape change and modifications to blood and CSF flow result in hindbrain/brainstem impacts, but intelligence is normal. Positional plagiocephaly, due to infants sleeping on their backs, is associated with higher rates of cognitive deficits. No studies are available on cognitive performance in people with intentional cranial deformation. Here we reconstruct arteriovenous blood flow patterns in these three conditions and assess how observed changes may impact the developing brain