Final answer:
Craniotabes has benign causes, including physiological skull softness in newborns and rickets, and can also be caused by severe infections like meningitis, characterized by fever, headache, and a stiff neck.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject in question is craniotabes, which refers to a condition where the skull bones are thinner and softer than normal. Benign causes of craniotabes can include physiological changes in newborns, particularly premature infants, where the skull can be more malleable and exhibit areas of softness. Other benign conditions such as rickets, resulting from vitamin D deficiency, can also cause craniotabes.
In terms of infectious causes, meningitis is one such infection that can impact the skull, especially in severe cases. Meningitis, specifically bacterial meningitis, is a serious condition affecting the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck. To tell if craniotabes is caused by an infection like meningitis, these symptoms would typically be present, and medical professionals would conduct tests such as lumbar puncture to diagnose the condition and prescribe antibiotics for treatment.