Table of Contents
What is occipital plagiocephaly?
Occipital plagiocephaly causes a flattening of one side of the back of the head and is often a result of the infant consistently lying on his or her back. A flat area may develop very quickly over several months. Physically, the infant may have one ear that is shifted forward.
Can plagiocephaly cause brain damage?
The good news is that plagiocephaly and flat head syndrome do not affect brain development or cause brain damage. Head size is dependent on the brain size; head shape is dependent on external forces, which can either deform or reform.
Are helmets necessary for plagiocephaly?
Is helmet therapy required? Helmet therapy for plagiocephaly is always a choice; it’s never mandatory. It can be helpful in the right situation, but it’s not always needed. The head shape does often get better, with or without the use of a helmet.
Is plagiocephaly permanent?
Plagiocephaly is a misshapen or flat head. It can happen in the uterus or during birth. It can also develop in the early months of life. Plagiocephaly usually fixes itself as babies grow, but sometimes treatment is needed.
How much do helmets for plagiocephaly cost?
$1,300 to $3,000
Helmets to treat flattened skulls range in price from $1,300 to $3,000, and parents are told to make sure infants wear them around the clock. Dr.
Is plagiocephaly genetic?
Plagiocephaly is not genetic, and can be caused by: Torticollis, or muscle tightness on one side of the neck, so the baby prefers holding the head to one side or in one position. Prematurity: skull bones are softer than full term babies, and they tend to move their heads less often.
Can baby wear helmet just at night?
Feel free to put your baby to sleep for a nap with the helmet on today. You do not need to clean the helmet today. Day three: Your goal for today, is to wear the helmet all day during the day, and if you and your baby did great during the day, wear it for the night.
Does My Baby need a helmet for plagiocephaly?
If the plagiocephaly doesn’t improve a cranial molding helmet will most likely be recommended. The goal of helmet therapy is to provide a safe environment for your baby’s head to grow into a more normal shape. The helmet does not pressure the head, but instead facilitates proper growth.
What is the shape of the head in positional plagiocephaly?
In positional plagiocephaly the head shape is a parallelogram. Figure 2b. Photograph of an infant with right positional plagiocephaly. Figure 1. To diagnose positional plagiocephaly, stand behind the infant and look down from above. A Clinician’s guide to positional plagiocephaly 3 Differential Diagnosis
How is plagiocephaly characterized in a left CMT?
An infant with a left CMT presents with right positional plagiocephaly. Facial symmetry is worsened by the pull of the SCM on the side of the face, creating flattening of the ipsilateral forhead, cheek and face. Children may also present with a positional torticollis, with a head turning preference and/or head tilt.
What causes occipital flattening in children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)?
Children with CMT should be referred to physiotherapy early to restore cervical range of movement, correct a head tilt and prevent positional plagiocephaly. Unilateral Lambdoid Synostosisor premature fusion of one lambdoid suture may also cause occipital flattening.