How many months does it take for widened cerebral sulci in premature infants to resolve?

The recovery time for widened cerebral spaces in premature infants depends on the underlying cause, which can be analyzed as either physiological or pathological.

1. Physiological causes
The phenomenon of widened cerebral spaces in premature infants is usually due to relatively slow development of the skull bones, resulting in a gap between the skull and brain tissue. If the infant's language, motor skills, and developmental abilities remain normal, this is generally considered a normal physiological occurrence. It often gradually improves and resolves around one year of age.

2. Pathological causes
If widened cerebral spaces result from impaired brain development during gestation—caused by factors such as radiation exposure or medication effects—conditions like hydrocephalus or brain hypoplasia may occur. In such cases, the recovery timeline is typically unpredictable. Prompt surgical intervention is usually required to modify the cerebrospinal fluid circulation pathway, thereby reducing the widening of cerebral spaces and promoting recovery in the premature infant.