It is important to note that plagiocephaly does not affect the growing brain or your baby’s development. These involve the ear and forehead being slightly forward on the same side. Symmetrical flattening at the back of the head is called brachycephaly. In addition, there may be associated secondary changes. A baby with plagiocephaly will usually present with flattening at the back of their head, to one side. It is sometimes referred to as “Deformational Plagiocepahly” or “Positional Plagiocephaly”. Plagiocephaly refers to a misshapen or asymmetrical head shape. However, it is also a highly preventable and treatable condition with the right information at the right time. Surgery should only be considered when all other options have been exhausted, and after consulting with a neurosurgeon or pediatric plastic surgeon who specializes in these types of cases.Plagiocephaly (or misshapen head) is a very common problem that often causes significant parental concern. Molding helmets work by re-shaping the baby's head and are fitted by a specialist.
If your baby has moderate or severe flattening that does not respond to treatment by 5 or 6 months of age, he or she may need helmet therapy. Depending on how severe the positional skull deformity is, your baby may need weekly therapy. You will also learn stretching and positioning exercises to do with your baby at home.
The therapist will check your baby for delayed motor skills caused by poor head and neck control, and for torticollis. Your pediatrician may refer your baby for early intervention services and an evaluation from a pediatric physical therapist. In some cases, your baby's doctor may recommend treatment for positional skull deformity, particularly those with moderate or severe flattening. If you notice any changes or have any concerns, talk to your pediatrician. The width of your baby's head and forehead should be even and balanced. The back of your baby's head should be evenly round. Note: A good time to check your baby's head is after bath time when his or her hair is wet. This positional skull deformity causes preemies to develop long, narrow heads. NICUcephaly is a common condition in preemies who spend their first few months of life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is often seen in babies who prefer to sleep with their heads turned to one side and those with torticollis. The ear may also shift forward on the flat side. The forehead may be more prominent causing the head to look like a parallelogram. This is often seen in babies who spend a lot of time on their backs and do not get enough tummy time.ĭeformational plagiocephaly is when the head is asymmetrically (unevenly) flat in the back on one side. The bone above the ears might seem to stick out. Common positional skull deformities do not require surgery.ĭeformational brachycephaly is when the head is symmetrically (evenly) flat in the back and wide from side to side. Your pediatrician can determine whether your baby's head shape is caused by a positional skull deformity or an uncommon but more serious condition called craniosynostosis. Infants who have torticollis also will need physical therapy.Ī baby's head shape change usually is related to the position in which they spend the most time. An estimated 85% of babies with torticollis, a condition where the neck muscles are tight or imbalanced, have a positional skull deformity. Some other things that affect a baby's head shape at birth are using forceps, vacuum extraction, or even a difficult labor. The baby's position when moving through the birth canal can affect his or her head shape. Preemies also have softer bones that are not as fully formed as the bones of full-term babies.īirth complications. Lying flat on their backs in the hospital can cause a preemie's head to become misshapen. Cramped or unusual positions in the womb can lead to changes in head shape. It helps babies master basic milestones like head lifting, turning over, sitting up, and crawling. Tummy time is for babies who are awake and being watched. Some babies like sitting or sleeping with their heads turned a certain way. There are many things that can cause a positional skull deformity, such as: The plates also allow room for the brain to grow during the first year of life.
The bony plates can move a bit, which helps the baby's head to pass through the birth canal. What causes a baby's head shape to change?Ī baby's skull has soft, bony plates that haven't yet fused together.