Signs, Symptoms & Clinical Features
Frontal bossing
Frontal bossing is a prominent or protruding forehead, which can develop with hydrocephalus in infancy.
In short: Frontal bossing
- It is a prominent, bulging forehead.
- It can develop as the infant skull enlarges with hydrocephalus.
- It is one of the head-shape changes seen with hydrocephalus.
- It is assessed alongside head circumference and other signs.
What it is
Frontal bossing is a prominent or protruding forehead. In infants with hydrocephalus, it can develop as the skull enlarges, contributing to a characteristic head shape.
Understanding Frontal bossing
As the infant skull expands to accommodate accumulating CSF, the forehead can become prominent (bossing), and the head shape can change. Frontal bossing is one of the head-shape features that may accompany hydrocephalus, along with an overall enlarged head. It is not specific to hydrocephalus (it can occur in some other conditions, such as certain genetic or bone-growth conditions), so it is interpreted alongside head circumference, the fontanelle, and other findings. The overall pattern guides whether evaluation for hydrocephalus is needed.
Why it matters
Understanding frontal bossing helps families recognize a head-shape change that can accompany hydrocephalus in infancy, and see how it fits into the broader assessment of head size and shape.
Common questions
What is frontal bossing?
A prominent, protruding forehead.
Can it occur with hydrocephalus?
Yes, as the infant skull enlarges.
Is it specific to hydrocephalus?
No — it is assessed alongside other signs.
Bottom line
Frontal bossing is a prominent forehead that can develop with hydrocephalus in infancy, assessed alongside other signs.
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