How craniosynostosis turned a Costa Rican family into New England Patriots fans

Like many new mothers, Lyana Guzman Gutierrez was exhausted but overjoyed after giving birth to a healthy and beautiful baby boy. But within two weeks, Lyana, who lived near San Jose, Costa Rica, noticed that Marcel’s eyes and other facial features were not aligned. Lyana’s mother urged her to bring Marcel to the pediatrician, who referred her to a local radiologist. The specialist diagnosed Marcel with craniosynostosis, a condition in which the fibrous joints or sutures between the plates of the skull fuse too early during a child’s development. This resulted in asymmetry of Marcel’s head which, if left untreated, could lead to further disfiguration, brain and skull growth issues and possible neurological complications. Through her research, Lyana had already suspected Marcel had craniosynostosis and started exploring her options. Though the neurosurgeon in Costa Rica was willing to treat Marcel, Lyana explains, “My husband and I were looking for the best doctors and the best place in the world to treat Marcel, and we were going to do whatever it took.” Lyana’s research led her to Boston Children’s Hospital’s website and a video of Mark Proctor, MD, vice chair of neurosurgery. “Something was telling me, you can trust this guy. He’s the one. It was a mother’s instinct.” All signs lead to Boston Lyana had very fond memories of studying English in Boston and felt the city must be calling her back. She contacted Boston Children’s International Center ...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Our patients’ stories craniosynostosis Mark Proctor neurology Source Type: news