Infants and Plagiocephaly

Did You Know? The shape of the head is fully formed by age 2

At Birth, the Protection of the Brain is Composed of 5 Different Bones, 4 Sutures, and 2 Fontanelle

Positional Plagiocephaly Occurs in About 50% of Children

Plagiocephaly is a very common condition in infants and is typically not life threatening and often reversible. Newborns bones are extremely soft and playable. It is important to take proper care to ensure development of the skull is protected and caution is taken. Please use this guide as a resource for knowledge and understanding of plagiocephaly symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

01│Symptoms

There are two types of plagiocephaly; positional and congenital. Doctors diagnose plagiocephaly in babies. Signs of the condition vary based on type and level of severity. Your doctor can help identify your baby’s symptoms, which include:

• Flattened area on back, side, or front of head
• Lack of hair in one spot
• Appearance of misshaped or slanted head
• Uneven ears (one ear pushed forward or up on the head)

Serious Symptoms Include:

• Lack of soft spot on your baby’s head
• Ridges or hard edges along skull
• Uneven facial features or other facial defects
• Lack of growth of your infant’s head size
• Seizures

02│Cause

Congenital plagiocephaly is a rare birth defect in which one of the seams on a baby’s head close early, affecting the shape of their head. Positional plagiocephaly can occur when a baby’s head was flattened in the womb, particularly occurring in multiple births. More commonly though a baby’s head becomes flatten or misshapen from lying in the same position for prolonged periods of time.      

03│Diagnosis

Diagnosing plagiocephaly is relatively simple and allows for parents and doctors to see symptoms and be alerted to a possible problem. X-rays can show severity of the condition or any underlying problems. Parents can observe their baby’s head on a daily basis and the provider will do measurements at every checkup. Any suspected flat or misshapen spots on the baby’s head should be discussed with a provider immediately.  

04│Treatment

Several treatment options may be used to correct plagiocephaly, depending on baby’s condition, age, symptoms etc. Unfortunately the only treatment option for congenital plagiocephaly is surgery. The surgery will allow for the plates in the head to grow and reshape while relieving any pressure on the brain. Reducing the amount of time your baby lies in a car seat, swings, crib etc. while rotating positions while sleeping or feeding, are also beneficial. Helmet therapy may be beneficial in either case. The helmet will provide reshaping support to the baby. Treating plagiocephaly is typically very successful. 

Learn more about pediatric conditions, risks, and symptoms at: http://jpeds.com

[Print Article]

References

https://www.babycenter.com/0_plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome_1187981.bc

http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/plagiocephaly