Plagiocefalia i brachycefalia (zespół płaskiej głowy)
Leczenie
Plagiocefalia i brachycefalia, określane jako zespół płaskiej głowy, to deformacje czaszki niemowląt wynikające z długotrwałego ucisku na określone obszary głowy, najczęściej w pierwszych miesiącach życia. Plagiocefalia objawia się jednostronnym spłaszczeniem, prowadzącym do asymetrii twarzy, natomiast brachycefalia charakteryzuje się spłaszczeniem tylnej części głowy, skutkując poszerzeniem i skróceniem czaszki. Wczesna diagnoza i wdrożenie leczenia zachowawczego, obejmującego zmianę pozycji dziecka, ograniczenie czasu w fotelikach i regularne układanie na brzuchu („tummy time” – minimum 30 minut dziennie), są kluczowe dla zapobiegania pogłębianiu deformacji. Fizjoterapia, zwłaszcza przy współistniejącym kręczu szyjnym, poprawia zakres ruchu i wspomaga korekcję kształtu czaszki, co potwierdzają badania wykazujące znaczącą poprawę po 16 sesjach w ciągu 4 miesięcy.
- Plagiocefalia i brachycefalia (zespół płaskiej głowy) – wprowadzenie
- Metody leczenia zachowawczego
- Leczenie z wykorzystaniem kasku ortopedycznego
- Mechanizm działania kasku
- Czas leczenia kaskiem
- Optymalny wiek dla terapii kaskiem
- Rodzaje kasków ortopedycznych
- Skuteczność terapii kaskiem
- Inne metody leczenia
- Zintegrowane podejście do leczenia
- Wskazania do leczenia
- Perspektywy i efekty leczenia
- Zapobieganie zespołowi płaskiej głowy
- Wnioski i zalecenia praktyczne
Plagiocefalia i brachycefalia (zespół płaskiej głowy) – wprowadzenie
Plagiocefalia i brachycefalia, znane łącznie jako zespół płaskiej głowy, to zaburzenia kształtu czaszki występujące u niemowląt. Plagiocefalia charakteryzuje się spłaszczeniem jednej strony głowy, co powoduje asymetrię, podczas gdy brachycefalia przejawia się spłaszczeniem tylnej części głowy, co sprawia, że główka staje się szersza i krótsza.12 Te deformacje czaszki najczęściej pojawiają się w pierwszych miesiącach życia dziecka w wyniku długotrwałego przebywania w jednej pozycji, zwykle na plecach.3
Zespół płaskiej głowy zwykle nie wpływa na rozwój mózgu ani rozwój poznawczy dziecka, jednak w niektórych przypadkach może prowadzić do asymetrii twarzy, szczególnie w obrębie oczu, uszu, nosa, czoła i szczęki.4 Wczesna diagnoza i odpowiednie leczenie są kluczowe, aby uzyskać optymalne wyniki i zapobiec pogłębianiu się deformacji.56
Metody leczenia zachowawczego
Leczenie zespołu płaskiej głowy zwykle rozpoczyna się od metod zachowawczych, które są szczególnie skuteczne, gdy deformacja zostanie wcześnie wykryta. Podejście zachowawcze obejmuje kilka technik, które mają na celu zmniejszenie nacisku na spłaszczoną część głowy i umożliwienie naturalnego przywrócenia prawidłowego kształtu czaszki.78
Zmiana pozycji
Podstawową metodą leczenia zachowawczego jest zmiana pozycji dziecka, co pomaga zmniejszyć ucisk na spłaszczoną część czaszki. Techniki te są najbardziej skuteczne u niemowląt poniżej 4. miesiąca życia.910 Zalecenia obejmują:
- Delikatne obracanie główki dziecka podczas snu na stronę przeciwną do spłaszczenia
- Zmienianie pozycji w łóżeczku, aby zachęcić dziecko do patrzenia w różnych kierunkach
- Ograniczenie czasu spędzanego w fotelikach samochodowych, huśtawkach i leżaczkach
- Częstą zmianę sposobu trzymania i noszenia dziecka
W przypadku plagiocephalii celem jest utrzymanie spłaszczonej strony głowy „do góry i na zewnątrz”, z dala od nacisku twardych powierzchni. Dla dzieci z brachycefalią kluczowe jest zmniejszenie nacisku na tylną część głowy.13
Czas na brzuszku (tummy time)
Regularne układanie dziecka na brzuchu podczas okresu czuwania jest jedną z najważniejszych metod zapobiegania i leczenia zespołu płaskiej głowy. Ta technika nie tylko zmniejsza nacisk na tylną część głowy, ale również wzmacnia mięśnie szyi i pleców, co wspiera ogólny rozwój motoryczny dziecka.1415
Zaleca się rozpoczęcie „tummy time” od kilku minut kilka razy dziennie, stopniowo zwiększając czas w miarę jak dziecko przyzwyczaja się do tej pozycji. Idealnym celem jest osiągnięcie łącznie co najmniej 30 minut dziennie.1617
Fizjoterapia
Fizjoterapia jest szczególnie istotna w przypadkach, gdy zespołowi płaskiej głowy towarzyszy kręcz szyjny (torticollis) – stan charakteryzujący się napięciem mięśni szyi, który ogranicza zakres ruchu głowy i prowadzi do preferowania jednej pozycji.1819
Fizjoterapeuta dziecięcy może:
- Przeprowadzić kompleksową ocenę stanu dziecka
- Nauczyć rodziców specjalistycznych ćwiczeń i technik rozciągających
- Opracować indywidualny program terapeutyczny
- Monitorować postępy i dostosowywać leczenie w miarę potrzeb
- Wdrożyć specjalistyczne techniki takie jak uwalnianie mięśniowo-powięziowe czy terapia neurozwojowa
Badania wykazują, że fizjoterapia może być bardzo skuteczna w leczeniu plagiocephalii, szczególnie gdy zostanie wdrożona wcześnie. W jednym z badań, po 16 sesjach fizjoterapeutycznych rozłożonych na 4 miesiące, wszystkie badane niemowlęta wykazały poprawę w pomiarach czaszki, szczególnie te młodsze i z cięższymi przypadkami.23
Leczenie z wykorzystaniem kasku ortopedycznego
W przypadkach umiarkowanej do ciężkiej plagiocephalii lub brachycephalii, gdy metody zachowawcze nie przynoszą wystarczającej poprawy, lekarz może zalecić terapię z użyciem specjalnego kasku ortopedycznego, zwanego również ortezą czaszkową (cranial remolding orthosis, CRO).2425
Mechanizm działania kasku
Kask korygujący działa poprzez:
- Zastosowanie delikatnego, stałego nacisku na wystające obszary czaszki
- Pozostawienie przestrzeni nad spłaszczonymi obszarami, co umożliwia ich naturalne wypełnienie podczas wzrostu głowy
- Ukierunkowanie wzrostu czaszki w stronę bardziej symetrycznego kształtu
Kask działa podobnie jak „hodowla jabłka w butelce” – w miarę jak mózg dziecka rośnie i naciska na czaszkę, kask kieruje ten wzrost w kierunku bardziej normalnego kształtu, ograniczając go w miejscach wypukłych i umożliwiając w miejscach płaskich.2930
Czas leczenia kaskiem
Leczenie kaskiem wymaga ścisłego przestrzegania określonego protokołu:
- Kask powinien być noszony 22-23 godziny na dobę (zdejmowany tylko do kąpieli i czyszczenia)
- Średni czas leczenia wynosi od 3 do 6 miesięcy, ale może się różnić w zależności od stopnia deformacji i wieku rozpoczęcia terapii
- Regularne wizyty kontrolne (zazwyczaj co 2-4 tygodnie) są niezbędne do monitorowania postępów i dostosowywania kasku
Optymalny wiek dla terapii kaskiem
Skuteczność terapii kaskiem jest ściśle związana z wiekiem, w którym rozpoczyna się leczenie:
- Idealny czas na rozpoczęcie leczenia to między 4. a 6. miesiącem życia, kiedy czaszka jest najbardziej podatna na kształtowanie
- Terapia może być skuteczna do około 12. miesiąca życia
- Po 14. miesiącu życia terapia kaskiem zwykle nie jest już zalecana, ponieważ tempo wzrostu czaszki znacząco zwalnia, a kości czaszki stają się bardziej sztywne
Badania pokazują, że wcześniejsze rozpoczęcie terapii wiąże się z lepszymi wynikami i krótszym czasem leczenia. Kask działa najlepiej, gdy wykorzystuje się najbardziej intensywny okres wzrostu czaszki, który przypada na pierwsze miesiące życia.3940
Rodzaje kasków ortopedycznych
Na rynku dostępnych jest kilka typów kasków ortopedycznych do leczenia plagiocephalii i brachycephalii:
- STARband – wykonany z termoplastycznej powłoki z miękką piankową wyściółką, indywidualnie dopasowany do kształtu główki dziecka
- DOC Band – jeden z najstarszych i najbardziej uznanych modeli, używany w leczeniu ponad 300 000 dzieci na całym świecie
- TiMBandAir – lekki model stosowany w niektórych klinikach
- Kaski drukowane w technologii 3D – nowsze modele wykorzystujące zaawansowaną technologię do tworzenia precyzyjnie dopasowanych ortez
Proces dopasowania kasku zwykle obejmuje skanowanie 3D główki dziecka w celu utworzenia dokładnego modelu, na podstawie którego następnie tworzy się indywidualnie dopasowaną ortezę.4546
Skuteczność terapii kaskiem
Skuteczność terapii kaskiem jest przedmiotem pewnych kontrowersji w środowisku medycznym. Część badań wskazuje na znaczącą poprawę kształtu głowy u dzieci leczonych kaskiem ortopedycznym, podczas gdy inne kwestionują przewagę tej metody nad naturalnymi procesami korekcji.4748
Badanie z 2015 roku, obejmujące ponad 4000 niemowląt, wykazało, że 94,4% dzieci leczonych kaskiem jako terapią pierwszego rzutu osiągnęło korekcję, podobnie jak 96,1% tych, które otrzymały kaski po niepowodzeniu repozycjonowania.49 Z drugiej strony, holenderskie badanie opublikowane w BMJ sugeruje, że terapia kaskiem nie przynosi znaczących korzyści w porównaniu z naturalnym przebiegiem korekcji kształtu głowy.5051
Obecny konsensus wśród specjalistów sugeruje, że terapia kaskiem jest najbardziej odpowiednia dla:5253
- Umiarkowanych do ciężkich przypadków plagiocephalii lub brachycephalii
- Przypadków, które nie reagują na leczenie zachowawcze po 4-5 miesiącach
- Dzieci w optymalnym wieku (4-8 miesięcy)
Inne metody leczenia
Terapia czaszkowo-krzyżowa
Terapia czaszkowo-krzyżowa (craniosacral therapy) to alternatywna metoda leczenia, która wykorzystuje delikatny nacisk (mniejszy niż waga monety) do rozluźnienia napięć w tkankach i stworzenia przestrzeni dla kości czaszki, aby znalazły właściwe miejsce.54 Zwolennicy tej metody twierdzą, że może ona wspomóc proces kształtowania głowy i skrócić czas leczenia.55
Należy jednak zauważyć, że brakuje solidnych dowodów naukowych potwierdzających skuteczność tej metody w leczeniu zespołu płaskiej głowy, a niektóre źródła medyczne wyraźnie stwierdzają, że nie ma roli dla terapii czaszkowo-krzyżowej w leczeniu pozycyjnych deformacji czaszki.5657
Leczenie chirurgiczne
Leczenie chirurgiczne jest rzadko wymagane w przypadku pozycyjnej plagiocephalii czy brachycephalii. Interwencja chirurgiczna jest zarezerwowana głównie dla:5859
- Przypadków craniosynostosis (przedwczesnego zarośnięcia szwów czaszkowych)
- Niezwykle ciężkich deformacji, które nie reagują na inne metody leczenia
- Przypadków, gdy deformacja może powodować problemy funkcjonalne, takie jak trudności z żuciem, jedzeniem czy widzeniem
Warto podkreślić, że w przeciwieństwie do craniosynostosis, pozycyjna plagiocephalia i brachycephalia zazwyczaj nie wymagają interwencji chirurgicznej.63
Zintegrowane podejście do leczenia
Optymalne leczenie zespołu płaskiej głowy często wymaga zintegrowanego podejścia, które łączy różne metody terapeutyczne dostosowane do potrzeb konkretnego dziecka.64 Kompleksowe postępowanie może obejmować:
- Wczesną ocenę przez zespół specjalistów (pediatra, fizjoterapeuta, ortotyk)
- Edukację rodziców w zakresie technik pozycjonowania i ćwiczeń
- Regularne monitorowanie postępów terapii
- Stopniowe wprowadzanie bardziej intensywnych metod leczenia w przypadku braku poprawy
Wiele ośrodków medycznych oferuje specjalistyczne programy leczenia zespołu płaskiej głowy, w których zespół interdyscyplinarny współpracuje w celu opracowania i realizacji skoordynowanego planu opieki dostosowanego do indywidualnych potrzeb dziecka.6768
Wskazania do leczenia
Nie wszystkie przypadki plagiocephalii czy brachycephalii wymagają interwencji medycznej. Decyzja o podjęciu leczenia zależy od kilku czynników:6970
| Stopień deformacji | Wiek dziecka | Zalecane leczenie |
|---|---|---|
| Łagodny | 0-4 miesiące | Zmiana pozycji, czas na brzuszku |
| Łagodny | 4-8 miesięcy | Zmiana pozycji, czas na brzuszku, fizjoterapia jeśli występuje kręcz szyjny |
| Umiarkowany | 0-4 miesiące | Zmiana pozycji, czas na brzuszku, fizjoterapia |
| Umiarkowany | 4-8 miesięcy | Fizjoterapia, rozważenie terapii kaskiem |
| Ciężki | 0-4 miesiące | Fizjoterapia, ścisłe monitorowanie, wczesne rozważenie terapii kaskiem |
| Ciężki | 4-8 miesięcy | Terapia kaskiem, fizjoterapia jeśli występuje kręcz szyjny |
| Ciężki | 8-12 miesięcy | Terapia kaskiem (mniej skuteczna niż we wcześniejszym wieku) |
| Każdy | >12 miesięcy | Ograniczona skuteczność interwencji, w wyjątkowych przypadkach rozważenie leczenia chirurgicznego |
Perspektywy i efekty leczenia
Rokowanie w przypadku zespołu płaskiej głowy jest zazwyczaj dobre, szczególnie gdy leczenie rozpoczyna się wcześnie.7475 W większości przypadków kształt głowy dziecka ulega samoistnej poprawie wraz z rozwojem umiejętności motorycznych, takich jak trzymanie głowy, obracanie się i raczkowanie, które zmniejszają nacisk na określone obszary czaszki.76
Efekty leczenia zależą od kilku czynników:
- Wieku, w którym rozpoczęto terapię (wcześniejsze leczenie daje lepsze rezultaty)
- Stopnia deformacji przed rozpoczęciem leczenia
- Konsekwencji w stosowaniu zalecanych metod terapeutycznych
- Indywidualnego tempa wzrostu czaszki dziecka
Warto zaznaczyć, że nawet w przypadkach, gdy zespół płaskiej głowy nie zostanie całkowicie skorygowany, większość deformacji staje się mniej widoczna w miarę dorastania dziecka, szczególnie gdy dochodzi do porostu włosów.79
Zapobieganie zespołowi płaskiej głowy
Zapobieganie jest najskuteczniejszą strategią w walce z zespołem płaskiej głowy. Profilaktyka powinna rozpocząć się od pierwszych dni życia dziecka.8081 Do najważniejszych działań profilaktycznych należą:
- Zapewnienie niemowlęciu regularnego czasu na brzuszku pod nadzorem (minimum kilka razy dziennie)
- Regularna zmiana pozycji głowy dziecka podczas snu i czuwania
- Ograniczenie czasu spędzanego w fotelikach samochodowych, huśtawkach i bujaczkach
- Noszenie dziecka w różnych pozycjach, z wykorzystaniem chust i nosidełek
- Naprzemienne karmienie z obu stron (dotyczy karmienia zarówno piersią, jak i butelką)
Bardzo ważne jest jednak, aby pamiętać, że pomimo ryzyka zespołu płaskiej głowy, niemowlęta zawsze powinny być układane do snu na plecach, zgodnie z zaleceniami dotyczącymi profilaktyki zespołu nagłej śmierci niemowląt (SIDS).8485
Wnioski i zalecenia praktyczne
Plagiocefalia i brachycefalia (zespół płaskiej głowy) to powszechne problemy, które można skutecznie leczyć, szczególnie gdy zostaną wcześnie wykryte. Kluczowe zalecenia dla personelu medycznego i rodziców obejmują:8687
- Regularne badanie kształtu głowy niemowląt podczas rutynowych wizyt kontrolnych
- Wczesne wdrożenie technik zmiany pozycji i czasu na brzuszku
- Skierowanie do fizjoterapeuty w przypadku podejrzenia kręczu szyjnego lub braku poprawy po zastosowaniu technik pozycjonowania
- Rozważenie terapii kaskiem w przypadkach umiarkowanych do ciężkich u niemowląt w odpowiednim wieku
- Edukacja rodziców w zakresie prawidłowych technik noszenia, pozycjonowania i stymulacji motorycznej dziecka
Zespół płaskiej głowy, choć może budzić niepokój rodziców, w większości przypadków nie wpływa na rozwój neurologiczny dziecka i może być skutecznie leczony przy użyciu odpowiednich metod terapeutycznych. Istotna jest współpraca między rodzicami, pediatrami, fizjoterapeutami i w razie potrzeby specjalistami od ortez czaszki, aby zapewnić dziecku najlepszą opiekę i optymalne wyniki leczenia.9091
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Materiały źródłowe
- #1https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_positional_plagio_brachycephaly_inst
Flat spots can be prevented and treated when caught early. If there’s a large head shape change, your doctor may recommend other treatment and more support from a pediatric physiotherapist. […] If your baby has a flat spot that is on one side of the back of their head, this is called plagiocephaly. The goal is to keep the flat spot up and out, away from the pressure of resting on firm surfaces. […] If your baby has a flat spot across the back of their head, this is called brachycephaly. The goal for treatment is to take pressure off the back of the head. […] It’s important to make sure to get advice from your doctor and a physiotherapist if you notice changes in your baby’s head shape. Your baby will have the best results if you notice changes early and deal with them right away.
- #2 Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (flat head syndrome)https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plagiocephaly-brachycephaly/
Babies sometimes develop a flattened head when they’re a few months old, usually as a result of them spending a lot of time lying on their back. […] A slightly flattened head is not usually anything to worry about, but it’s a good idea to get advice early on so you can take steps to stop it getting any worse. […] The shape of your baby’s head should improve naturally over time as their skull develops and they start moving their head, rolling around and crawling. […] If your baby has difficulty turning their head, physiotherapy may help loosen and strengthen their neck muscles. […] Corrective surgery may be needed if they have craniosynostosis. […] There are specially designed helmets and headbands that some people claim can help improve the shape of a baby’s skull as they grow. […] Treatment is started when the child’s skull is still soft, usually at around 5 or 6 months old, and the device is worn almost continuously (up to 23 hours a day) for several months.
- #3 Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) | OHSUhttps://www.ohsu.edu/doernbecher/plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Our craniofacial team are experts at diagnosing and treating plagiocephaly. This common condition leads to flattened areas of an infants skull. For many babies, treatment may be as simple as adjusting their sleeping and resting position. […] After diagnosis, we will guide you through simple steps to reshape your infants head in the first months of life. […] If your baby needs a helmet to adjust their head shape, we will help you set up a plan and manage treatment at home. […] In many babies, the shape of the head will correct itself within two years. Often this happens when your child begins to sit up. Positional or helmet therapy may help. […] Our experts will work with you to create a treatment plan for your child. Positional therapy techniques may include: […] If your babys plagiocephaly is moderate to severe, we may recommend using a helmet or headband to reshape their skull. Helmet therapy may also help if positional therapy hasnt worked. […] The helmet provides gentle pressure to slow head growth in some areas while allowing growth in the flat areas. […] We provide complete care for plagiocephaly, including follow-up care with a nurse practitioner and physical therapists who specialize in this condition.
- #4 Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly | Thames Valley Children’s Centrehttps://www.tvcc.on.ca/resource/plagiocephaly-and-brachycephaly
Since the introduction of the Back to Sleep Program, the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has decreased. This is great news! Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep. However, because so many babies are now spending long periods of time on their backs, there has been an increase in the number of babies developing flat heads […] This flattening of a babys skull is called positional plagiocephaly or brachycephaly […] In most cases, having a flat area will not affect brain growth or development. Having a flat head usually only affects a babys appearance. If untreated, it may cause the head and face to develop unevenly, especially the eyes, ears, nose, forehead, and jaw. […] Up until about 12 months of age a babys skull bones are very soft. During this time it is possible to improve head shape by using different strategies such as tummy time, exercises, and positional techniques. […] Some families choose to have a custom molded helmet which can help reshape the skull. Helmets are made by an orthotist. […] Starting these strategies early means a greater chance of improvement. […] Discuss with a specialist if helmet therapy would be a good option for your baby.
- #5 Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Flat Head Syndrome: Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly, and Dolichocephaly | Choose PThttps://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-to-head-shape-flatness-in-infants-plagiocephaly
Infant flat head syndrome is an atypical flattening or deformation of the skull that may present as: […] Physical therapists help determine the cause of the head flattening and the best treatment. […] The sooner a family sees a physical therapist, the better the chances of improving or preventing further head shape deformities. Early physical therapy also helps to reduce the risk for related developmental problems. […] Your child’s physical therapist will conduct a full evaluation. […] Pediatric physical therapists educate caregivers during all phases of infant development during pregnancy, right after birth, or in the first few months. Early caregiver education will include tips for proper positioning and ways to create movement opportunities for your baby. This information is key to prevention, treatment, and avoiding a worsening of flat head syndrome or possible developmental problems.
- #6 Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Flat Head Syndrome: Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly, and Dolichocephaly | Choose PThttps://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-to-head-shape-flatness-in-infants-plagiocephaly
The sooner a baby sees a pediatric physical therapist, the more likely it is to prevent further loss of range of motion or a worsening of the flattened skull. Early diagnosis at or shortly after birth provides the quickest and best results to help correct head shape flatness. […] Families and caregivers should seek early screening of their newborns for any neck range of motion problems and a flat spot on the baby’s skull. The sooner a baby sees a pediatric physical therapist, the sooner prevention or correction of muscle tightness and flattening of the skull can occur. […] All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat a variety of conditions, including infant flat head syndrome.
- #7 Diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephalyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7206465/
Positional plagiocephaly can mostly be diagnosed clinically and by physical examinations. […] Plagiocephaly can be treated surgically or conservatively. Positional plagiocephaly, which is not accompanied by craniosynostosis, is treated conservatively. […] Conservative treatments involve a variety of treatments, such as change of positions, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and helmet therapy. […] Many studies have reported the use of external braces for the treatment of positional plagiocephaly. […] The helmet generally covers the entire head like a bicycle helmet. […] Helmet treatment is more effective if it is performed at an early stage of development of the head, and the treatment should begin when the skull is rapidly growing. […] However, most studies report that better results are obtained when helmet therapy begins sooner.
- #8 Flat Head Syndrome (Positional Plagiocephaly) (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealthhttps://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positional-plagiocephaly.html
Flat head syndrome is often caused by tight neck muscles that make it hard for babies to turn their heads. This neck condition is called torticollis. […] Most babies with flat head syndrome also have some degree of torticollis. So stretches at home and physical therapy usually are part of treatment. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to do with your baby involving stretching. […] A doctor may prescribe a helmet for flat head syndrome. The helmet is designed to fit a baby loosely where the head is flat and tightly where it is round. In the helmet, the head can’t grow where it is already round. So it grows where it’s flatter. […] Helmets make the head rounder quicker than time and normal growth. On average, though, babies who get helmets and those who don’t have the same results after a couple years. Talk to your doctor about whether a helmet could help your baby.
- #9 Plagiocephaly, Positional Plagiocephaly, Flat Head Syndrome: Causes & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10691-plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Plagiocephaly treatment starts with changing your babys position. You can do this while your baby is asleep or awake. […] Over time, repositioning shifts pressure more evenly over your babys entire head and strengthens their neck muscles. You should: […] Some babies with flat head syndrome also have torticollis (tightened neck muscles). These infants usually need physical therapy and home exercise programs. A physical therapist will teach you exercises and stretches to lengthen and straighten your babys neck muscles. […] If the plagiocephaly is bad, your healthcare provider may prescribe a plagiocephaly helmet for your baby. An orthotist (a healthcare provider who makes and fits medical devices) will measure the helmet for your babys head. Helmets fit loosely where the head is flat and tightly where its round. They encourage the flat area of the head to grow. Your baby will wear the helmet for several months to reshape their skull.
- #10 Plagiocephaly, Positional Plagiocephaly, Flat Head Syndrome: Causes & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10691-plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Infant repositioning is one of the best ways to prevent flat head syndrome. Be sure to alternate your babys head position while theyre sleeping. In addition, give your baby plenty of tummy time while theyre awake and youre supervising them. […] You should be able to correct or minimize flat head syndrome with infant repositioning techniques. Starting early and staying consistent helps. If repositioning isnt working, or if your babys neck muscles seem tense, call their healthcare provider. Physical therapy or a helmet may help.
- #11 Physical Therapy & Plagiocephaly: What Parents Should Knowhttps://lunara.llc/physical-therapy-plagiocephaly/
Change Your Babys Head Position While They Sleep: Gently move your babys head to the side they dont usually favor while theyre asleep. This can help reduce pressure on the flattened part of their skull. […] Avoid Using Anything to Hold the Babys Head in Place: This could block the face and make breathing difficult. Instead, try to encourage your baby to turn their head naturally. […] Carry or Hold Your Baby in Different Ways: This can also help to avoid pressure on the flattened areas of their skull. A wearable baby carrier can be useful for this. […] Switch Positions While Sleeping: If your baby has a flatter head on one side or the other, switching positions while they sleep can help. […] Give Babies Tummy Time and Alternate Head Positioning: These are preventative measures that can also help in treatment by strengthening neck muscles and relieving pressure on the back of the head.
- #12 Plagiocephaly (condition page) | London Orthotic Consultancyhttps://www.londonorthotics.co.uk/plagiocephaly/
If your baby has a flat head, the first thing to try is repositioning. Until around four to five months old, repositioning and tummy time can help their head shape round out naturally. […] If these techniques do not work, cranial remoulding therapy using a specially designed baby helmet is an effective treatment option. […] Backed by clinical research, our cranial remoulding helmet offers excellent results and a pain-free, non-invasive solution to correct your babys head shape.
- #13https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_positional_plagio_brachycephaly_inst
Flat spots can be prevented and treated when caught early. If there’s a large head shape change, your doctor may recommend other treatment and more support from a pediatric physiotherapist. […] If your baby has a flat spot that is on one side of the back of their head, this is called plagiocephaly. The goal is to keep the flat spot up and out, away from the pressure of resting on firm surfaces. […] If your baby has a flat spot across the back of their head, this is called brachycephaly. The goal for treatment is to take pressure off the back of the head. […] It’s important to make sure to get advice from your doctor and a physiotherapist if you notice changes in your baby’s head shape. Your baby will have the best results if you notice changes early and deal with them right away.
- #14 Flat Head Baby Syndrome: Treating & Preventing Plagiocephalyhttps://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health/plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome/
Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, is when a baby’s head is flat on one side. It’s linked to a baby sleeping exclusively on his back as well as spending a lot of time lying in a rocker, car seat or swing. […] A flat head is treatable and doesn’t mean your baby is in pain or will have any developmental delays. […] Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s growth and development (including his head shape), help you make sure he gets plenty of tummy time, and offer other tips to reverse the flattening (called „positioning therapy”). In severe cases, your doctor may recommend a special helmet to help your baby’s head grow back into a rounder shape, although these can be expensive and uncomfortable for your child. […] Reducing pressure on the skull is the most common treatment for flat head syndrome. Tummy time is the most effective and easiest approach. It involves placing a blanket or towel on the floor and putting your baby on his stomach while he’s awake for a few minutes at a time, ideally for at least 30 minutes total every day. […] If your baby’s head shape doesn’t respond to these adjustments, your pediatrician may recommend a special helmet to help your baby’s skull grow more evenly. […] In very rare cases, your doctor may discuss surgery as an option to reshape a severely misshapen skull.
- #15 Plagiocephaly | Boston Children’s Hospitalhttps://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly is treated through non-surgical methods, including: […] Changing your babyâs sleeping and resting positions can help reduce pressure on their skull, which is highly malleable during the first few months of life. […] Many infants with plagiocephaly â especially those born with an imbalance of the neck muscles, such as muscular torticollis â will benefit from exercises to increase neck range of motion. […] The Perfect Noggin was developed by a plastic surgeon at Boston Childrenâs to reduce and prevent head-flattening in infants. […] Corrective helmets are most effective in infants from 4 to 8 months with moderate to severe head flattening. […] Most babies need to wear the helmet 22 to 23 hours a day for an average of three months but potentially up to their first birthday to benefit most from the treatment. […] Plagiocephaly responds well to non-surgical treatments, such as: […] Changes in sleep position […] Offering tummy time during the day […] Exercises or physical therapy […] Helmeting.
- #16 Flat Head Baby Syndrome: Treating & Preventing Plagiocephalyhttps://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health/plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome/
Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, is when a baby’s head is flat on one side. It’s linked to a baby sleeping exclusively on his back as well as spending a lot of time lying in a rocker, car seat or swing. […] A flat head is treatable and doesn’t mean your baby is in pain or will have any developmental delays. […] Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s growth and development (including his head shape), help you make sure he gets plenty of tummy time, and offer other tips to reverse the flattening (called „positioning therapy”). In severe cases, your doctor may recommend a special helmet to help your baby’s head grow back into a rounder shape, although these can be expensive and uncomfortable for your child. […] Reducing pressure on the skull is the most common treatment for flat head syndrome. Tummy time is the most effective and easiest approach. It involves placing a blanket or towel on the floor and putting your baby on his stomach while he’s awake for a few minutes at a time, ideally for at least 30 minutes total every day. […] If your baby’s head shape doesn’t respond to these adjustments, your pediatrician may recommend a special helmet to help your baby’s skull grow more evenly. […] In very rare cases, your doctor may discuss surgery as an option to reshape a severely misshapen skull.
- #17 Brachycephaly Treating | Flat Head Syndrome – Nabta Healthhttps://nabtahealth.com/article/brachycephaly-treating-flat-head-syndrome/?srsltid=AfmBOorJ7gXcE2uEYOBs1P7qzhSqiWw9bn-R0NqfELBgtivOeRlFtA94
Brachycephaly: Treating Flat Head Syndrome article image A baby with brachycephaly typically has a flat spot on the back of the skull, and the head appears to be widened. It is similar to plagiocephaly, which occurs when only one side of the babys head is flattened. […] Prevention of brachycephaly is easy. Newborns need at least a few minutes of time on their stomachs, while awake, several times a day. This encourages muscle development in the neck and back and takes pressure off the back of the skull. […] Your pediatrician will examine for positional skull deformities. They will notice head shape and any head tilt preference. A baby with early brachycephaly will respond well to positioning changes. Limiting time spent in car seats and bouncers can also help. Tight neck muscles can be gently stretched with mild exercises suggested by a doctor. At times, pediatricians refer children to a physical therapist to assess the neck and work with the family to improve head shape. When brachycephaly is noted early, treatment is very effective.
- #18 Flat Head Syndrome (Positional Plagiocephaly) (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealthhttps://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positional-plagiocephaly.html
Flat head syndrome is often caused by tight neck muscles that make it hard for babies to turn their heads. This neck condition is called torticollis. […] Most babies with flat head syndrome also have some degree of torticollis. So stretches at home and physical therapy usually are part of treatment. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to do with your baby involving stretching. […] A doctor may prescribe a helmet for flat head syndrome. The helmet is designed to fit a baby loosely where the head is flat and tightly where it is round. In the helmet, the head can’t grow where it is already round. So it grows where it’s flatter. […] Helmets make the head rounder quicker than time and normal growth. On average, though, babies who get helmets and those who don’t have the same results after a couple years. Talk to your doctor about whether a helmet could help your baby.
- #19 Plagiocephaly, Positional Plagiocephaly, Flat Head Syndrome: Causes & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10691-plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Plagiocephaly treatment starts with changing your babys position. You can do this while your baby is asleep or awake. […] Over time, repositioning shifts pressure more evenly over your babys entire head and strengthens their neck muscles. You should: […] Some babies with flat head syndrome also have torticollis (tightened neck muscles). These infants usually need physical therapy and home exercise programs. A physical therapist will teach you exercises and stretches to lengthen and straighten your babys neck muscles. […] If the plagiocephaly is bad, your healthcare provider may prescribe a plagiocephaly helmet for your baby. An orthotist (a healthcare provider who makes and fits medical devices) will measure the helmet for your babys head. Helmets fit loosely where the head is flat and tightly where its round. They encourage the flat area of the head to grow. Your baby will wear the helmet for several months to reshape their skull.
- #20 Plagiocephaly And Physical Therapy – Klarity Health Libraryhttps://my.klarity.health/plagiocephaly-and-physical-therapy/
Plagiocephaly occurs when one side of a baby’s head becomes flat due to extended pressure on that area. This usually happens within the first few months after birth and is largely influenced by the baby’s head position. As more babies are being affected, new treatments have become available. […] If plagiocephaly is detected early, especially in cases involving congenital muscular torticollis, physical therapy can help correct it. It’s also important to avoid having the baby’s head rest constantly on the flat side and to give them time to lie on their stomach. For severe cases, helmet therapy is often suggested. […] According to Stanford Medicine, children with this condition often improve a lot with simple treatments such as changing how they sleep, spending more time on their tummy when they’re awake, and doing exercises to move their neck freely.
- #21 Pediatric Physical Therapy For Plagiocephaly | Little Feet Therapy | Pediatric Occupational & Physical Therapy Clinichttps://littlefeettherapy.com/pediatric-physical-therapy-for-plagiocephaly/
Plagiocephaly, otherwise known as flat head syndrome, is a common condition that can affect infants. […] In the event your newborn does have this condition, a pediatric physical therapist can help. […] Here at Little Feet, we’re a pediatric therapy clinic that offers pediatric physical therapy to help your child with plagiocephaly. […] A pediatric physical therapist can help assess the extent of your baby’s plagiocephaly and provide you with information. […] They can help implement strategies, such as proper positioning, more tummy time, and more, to alleviate pressure around the flat areas of their head. […] Physical therapy can be beneficial for the prevention, treatment, and avoidance of worsening plagiocephaly. […] Early intervention is the best way to address your child’s plagiocephaly and to correct and prevent its progression.
- #22 Brachycephaly | Carolina Kinder Development | Charlottehttps://carolinakinderdevelopment.com/brachycephaly-flat-head-syndrome/
Specialized therapy for cases of moderate to severe brachycephaly and/or torticollis. Varies from an average of 1 to 4 sessions. Torticollis issues may need therapy for a period of months. […] Neurodevelopmental techniques […] Myofascial release […] Craniosacral Therapy (CST) […] Kiniesiotaping […] Cranial band or orthotic treatment […] Most babies find therapy sessions engaging and interesting and there is little crying. Weâve treated so many infants for so many years and have developed methods which are effective and comfortable for the baby and parent.
- #23 Plagiocephaly And Physical Therapy – Klarity Health Libraryhttps://my.klarity.health/plagiocephaly-and-physical-therapy/
If repositioning and other treatments don’t help, the Plagio team might suggest a special helmet for moderate to severe cases. These helmets are designed to improve your baby’s uneven head shape and are typically worn for 2-3 months for the best results. A rehabilitation specialist will assess your baby’s head and decide if the helmet is needed. […] Physical therapy for flat head syndrome usually includes exercises that make the neck muscles stronger and help the baby move better. […] In a study, researchers looked at how physical therapy alone could help improve skull shape in 24 babies with non-synostotic plagiocephaly (caused by an external force). They designed a therapy program involving exercises and manipulations to reduce skull deformity. […] After 16 sessions, over four months, they found that all babies showed improvement in skull measurements, especially younger ones and those with more severe cases. This suggests that physical therapy could help treat plagiocephaly.
- #24 Plagiocephaly, Positional Plagiocephaly, Flat Head Syndrome: Causes & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10691-plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Plagiocephaly treatment starts with changing your babys position. You can do this while your baby is asleep or awake. […] Over time, repositioning shifts pressure more evenly over your babys entire head and strengthens their neck muscles. You should: […] Some babies with flat head syndrome also have torticollis (tightened neck muscles). These infants usually need physical therapy and home exercise programs. A physical therapist will teach you exercises and stretches to lengthen and straighten your babys neck muscles. […] If the plagiocephaly is bad, your healthcare provider may prescribe a plagiocephaly helmet for your baby. An orthotist (a healthcare provider who makes and fits medical devices) will measure the helmet for your babys head. Helmets fit loosely where the head is flat and tightly where its round. They encourage the flat area of the head to grow. Your baby will wear the helmet for several months to reshape their skull.
- #25 Flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly and brachycephaly): Treatment with a corrective helmethttps://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/plagiocephalytreatment
A corrective helmet can help treat your baby’s flat head syndrome. […] The helmet, also called a cranial remolding orthosis (CRO), is designed to gently correct the shape of your child’s skull over time. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months. […] A corrective helmet, or CRO, is a custom-made medical device used to address positional flattening of the skull in children. […] The helmet uses gentle holding pressures to reshape the skull over time as it redirects the heads growth into the areas that are flat. […] The ideal time to have a child assessed for helmet therapy is between four and six months of age. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months or more, depending on your child’s rate of growth. […] It is recommended that your child wear the helmet between 22 and 23 hours per day to achieve optimal correction and prevent the helmet from becoming ill-fitting. […] You will have a follow-up visit with your orthotist two weeks after the fitting and then every four weeks until the end of treatment. […] The Children’s Orthotics Clinic is proud to offer both thermo-molded and 3D-printed orthotic helmets.
- #26 Flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly and brachycephaly): Treatment with a corrective helmethttps://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/plagiocephalytreatment
A corrective helmet can help treat your baby’s flat head syndrome. […] The helmet, also called a cranial remolding orthosis (CRO), is designed to gently correct the shape of your child’s skull over time. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months. […] A corrective helmet, or CRO, is a custom-made medical device used to address positional flattening of the skull in children. […] The helmet uses gentle holding pressures to reshape the skull over time as it redirects the heads growth into the areas that are flat. […] The ideal time to have a child assessed for helmet therapy is between four and six months of age. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months or more, depending on your child’s rate of growth. […] It is recommended that your child wear the helmet between 22 and 23 hours per day to achieve optimal correction and prevent the helmet from becoming ill-fitting. […] You will have a follow-up visit with your orthotist two weeks after the fitting and then every four weeks until the end of treatment. […] The Children’s Orthotics Clinic is proud to offer both thermo-molded and 3D-printed orthotic helmets.
- #27 Deformational Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly | CHPhttps://www.chp.edu/our-services/plastic-surgery/conditions/deformational-plagiocephaly-and-brachycephaly
Infants with deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly usually lay or sleep in the position of comfort. The first and most important treatment is to reposition the baby to remove pressure from the flat area of the head. Repositioning the baby removes the pressure off of the flat side of the head. It is also helpful to reposition to apply gentle pressure to the opposite side of the head. Removing the pressure from the flat side of the head allows the skull to try to improve on its own. […] Torticollis is treated with physical therapy. If you suspect your baby has torticollis, talk with your pediatrician about starting physical therapy. Physical therapy has a success rate of 90-99% for treating and resolving torticollis. […] For mild cases of deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, the only recommended treatment is positioning the baby so that he will not lie on the flattened area of the head. For moderate to severe cases, cranial remolding helmet therapy is recommended at the appropriate age. A custom-made helmet is then worn 23 hours a day for approximately 3-6 months. The helmet works by applying gentle firmness to the protruding areas of the head and plenty of open space where there is flattening. This allows room for improvement by capturing growth spurts to fill in the flattened side of the head as the baby grows.
- #28 What is Helmet Therapy for Babies | 2025 Parents Guidehttps://www.karepoindia.com/blog/infants-helmet-therapy/
They function by applying some pressure onto the specific key areas while stimulating growth in sections that have become flattened. […] Baby helmet therapy is usually recommended for moderate to severe cases of plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or scaphocephaly when repositioning hasnt helped enough. […] If the flattening is significant and could lead to long-term asymmetry, a cranial helmet can gently guide skull growth into a more balanced shape. […] The duration depends on the babys age and severity of the flatness, but most babies wear the helmet for 3 to 6 months. […] Because during those period your babys head and skull remain soft. Its usually worn 23 hours a day, with short breaks for cleaning and comfort. […] No, helmet therapy does not cause brain damage. The helmets are designed to be lightweight and apply gentle pressure to shape the skull while allowing natural brain growth.
- #29 PlagiocephalyâFlat Head SyndromeCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilledhttps://www.thebump.com/a/plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
If baby has asymmetric neck muscles, your pediatrician might recommend physical therapy to strengthen those muscles and improve range of motion. Or your doctor might just show you some exercises you can practice at home. […] Cranial orthotic therapy with a baby helmet […] Cranial orthotic therapy is another treatment your doctor might suggest for fixing flat head syndrome. How it works is pretty simple: âItâs like growing an apple in a bottle,â Cunningham explains. As babyâs brain grows and pushes out against the skull, the pressure of the helmet helps force the bones, and therefore babyâs head, to grow into the more normal shape the helmet provides. […] If we see a baby who has such significant asymmetry or abnormality in their head shape that Iâm concerned itâs going to be a psycho-social problem for that child when they grow up, Iâll recommend a helmet.
- #30 Adaâs severe brachycephaly improves with cranial remoulding therapyhttps://www.londonorthotics.co.uk/loc-blog/2023/aug/ada-s-severe-brachycephaly-improves-with-helmet-therapy/
Baby Adas severe brachycephaly improves thanks to LOCs cranial remoulding helmet therapy. […] Adas severe brachycephaly has been resolved thanks to LOCs cranial remoulding helmet therapy. […] Because of the severity of Adas brachycephaly, George recommended that Ada was treated with the original LOCband design rather than the new 3D-printed LOCband Lite, as he said there will simply be more room for growth to attain a normal head shape. […] The LOCband is non-invasive and works by applying gentle, constant pressure over the areas of the babys skull that are most prominent while allowing unrestricted growth over the flattened areas. […] The optimum age for treatment is between four and seven months. […] Yes All babies that have completed their course of treatment with us have achieved a measurable improvement in head shape. […] Backed by clinical research, our cranial remoulding helmet offers excellent results and a pain-free, non-invasive solution to correct your babys head shape.
- #31 Flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly and brachycephaly): Treatment with a corrective helmethttps://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/plagiocephalytreatment
A corrective helmet can help treat your baby’s flat head syndrome. […] The helmet, also called a cranial remolding orthosis (CRO), is designed to gently correct the shape of your child’s skull over time. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months. […] A corrective helmet, or CRO, is a custom-made medical device used to address positional flattening of the skull in children. […] The helmet uses gentle holding pressures to reshape the skull over time as it redirects the heads growth into the areas that are flat. […] The ideal time to have a child assessed for helmet therapy is between four and six months of age. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months or more, depending on your child’s rate of growth. […] It is recommended that your child wear the helmet between 22 and 23 hours per day to achieve optimal correction and prevent the helmet from becoming ill-fitting. […] You will have a follow-up visit with your orthotist two weeks after the fitting and then every four weeks until the end of treatment. […] The Children’s Orthotics Clinic is proud to offer both thermo-molded and 3D-printed orthotic helmets.
- #32 Diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephalyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7206465/
The total duration of helmet treatment averages between 2 to 6 months, and the parents should note that the duration will vary depending on the degree of asymmetry of the head shape and the time of commencement of treatment. […] Surgical treatment is very effective in cases of plagiocephaly with craniosynostosis, and various surgical methods are available. […] However, many studies report that, since there are many cases of recurrence and changes in the shape of the skull after surgery, helmet treatment after surgical treatment, such as craniotomy and distraction osteogenesis of the cranium, is beneficial. […] For the patients with positional plagiocephaly, appropriate helmet therapy, in accordance with their ages, is a very effective treatment to change the shape and position of their head.
- #33 What is Helmet Therapy for Babies | 2025 Parents Guidehttps://www.karepoindia.com/blog/infants-helmet-therapy/
They function by applying some pressure onto the specific key areas while stimulating growth in sections that have become flattened. […] Baby helmet therapy is usually recommended for moderate to severe cases of plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or scaphocephaly when repositioning hasnt helped enough. […] If the flattening is significant and could lead to long-term asymmetry, a cranial helmet can gently guide skull growth into a more balanced shape. […] The duration depends on the babys age and severity of the flatness, but most babies wear the helmet for 3 to 6 months. […] Because during those period your babys head and skull remain soft. Its usually worn 23 hours a day, with short breaks for cleaning and comfort. […] No, helmet therapy does not cause brain damage. The helmets are designed to be lightweight and apply gentle pressure to shape the skull while allowing natural brain growth.
- #34 Positional Plagiocephaly – AANShttps://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/positional-plagiocephaly/
Physical therapy for neck stretching, if torticollis (neck tightness) is present, is also important. Repositioning therapy will not be effective if the torticollis continues to be an issue. […] The pediatrician will make the initial diagnosis and usually recommend a course of positional therapy. If this fails to resolve the problem, the parents or guardians will be given a referral to see a specialist, such as a pediatric neurosurgeon. […] Adjustments to the helmet need to be made every 1-2 weeks because a baby’s head grows very quickly.
- #35 Brachycephaly – Treatment and Resultshttps://www.plagiocefalia.com/en/brachycephaly/
If your baby is between 4 and 18 months old, the best treatment for brachycephaly is a dynamic brace (cranial orthosis). […] The treatment consists of using a custom-made orthopedic helmet to take advantage of the growth of the head and thus correct the deformity. […] The treatment requires a series of regular visits to the specialist, who will make modifications to the helmet, depending on the growth of the skull. […] The treatment has an average duration of 4 months. It is advisable to treat brachycephaly as early as possible. […] With the use of the dynamic orthopedic helmet DOC Band the treatment of plagiocephaly is easy, safe and comfortable for your child. This helmet has enabled the recovery of more than 300,000 babies worldwide.
- #36 Flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly and brachycephaly): Treatment with a corrective helmethttps://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/plagiocephalytreatment
A corrective helmet can help treat your baby’s flat head syndrome. […] The helmet, also called a cranial remolding orthosis (CRO), is designed to gently correct the shape of your child’s skull over time. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months. […] A corrective helmet, or CRO, is a custom-made medical device used to address positional flattening of the skull in children. […] The helmet uses gentle holding pressures to reshape the skull over time as it redirects the heads growth into the areas that are flat. […] The ideal time to have a child assessed for helmet therapy is between four and six months of age. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months or more, depending on your child’s rate of growth. […] It is recommended that your child wear the helmet between 22 and 23 hours per day to achieve optimal correction and prevent the helmet from becoming ill-fitting. […] You will have a follow-up visit with your orthotist two weeks after the fitting and then every four weeks until the end of treatment. […] The Children’s Orthotics Clinic is proud to offer both thermo-molded and 3D-printed orthotic helmets.
- #37 Helmet Treatment for Babies: Why the Controversy?https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/helmet-treatment-for-babies-why-the-controversy
By contrast, 94.4% of infants using a helmet as first-line therapy achieved correction, as did 96.1% of those who received helmets after failed repositioning. […] If the deformity progresses or fails to improve after a month of repositioning, or if the child is over 5 months of age, it is doubtful that it will spontaneously resolve later. […] Baby helmet therapy requires active growth to bring about correction and 4 to 7 months is the ideal age to start treatment. […] Once the infant reaches 14 months of age, it is too late to intervene with baby helmet therapy. Any remaining deformity becomes permanent and surgery is the only option to remedy this.
- #38 How Does Helmet Therapy Help Babies? | Hackensack Meridian Healthhttps://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2023/09/14/how-does-helmet-therapy-help-babies
Helmets need to be worn about 23 hours a day, taken off for bath time but left on for all other activities, including sleeping, playing and feeding. […] The duration of helmet therapy depends on the childâtheir age and the severity of their condition, Dr. Daniels says. […] Therapy should begin around 4-6 months, and is usually ineffective after age 1 since the skull starts to fuse together by then. […] For the majority of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly cases, the condition doesn’t affect brain development or growth. […] But if a babys flat head is caused by stiff neck muscles, that can slow early development, says Dr. Daniels. […] Craniosynostosis, on the other hand, likely requires surgery to relieve the pressure in the skull and allow the brain to grow normally.
- #39 Diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephalyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7206465/
Positional plagiocephaly can mostly be diagnosed clinically and by physical examinations. […] Plagiocephaly can be treated surgically or conservatively. Positional plagiocephaly, which is not accompanied by craniosynostosis, is treated conservatively. […] Conservative treatments involve a variety of treatments, such as change of positions, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and helmet therapy. […] Many studies have reported the use of external braces for the treatment of positional plagiocephaly. […] The helmet generally covers the entire head like a bicycle helmet. […] Helmet treatment is more effective if it is performed at an early stage of development of the head, and the treatment should begin when the skull is rapidly growing. […] However, most studies report that better results are obtained when helmet therapy begins sooner.
- #40 Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly – misshapen headhttps://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Plagiocephaly_and_brachycephaly_-_misshapen_head/
Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are common conditions where a babys head is misshapen. […] Plagiocephaly usually improves without treatment if your baby is active and has lots of one-on-one interaction. […] Most babies with a misshapen head do not need any treatment especially if they are active and have plenty of one-on-one interaction. Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly usually improve as your baby grows and starts to move their head by themselves. […] If your baby needs treatment for a misshapen head, a doctor may refer you to a specialist clinic. This may include sessions with a paediatrician, childrens physiotherapist and orthotist. […] A very small number of babies with plagiocephaly and brachycephaly have a severe and persistent deformity and may need helmet therapy. […] Most babies do not need helmet therapy. However, a specialist may suggest it if your baby’s head is severely and persistently misshapen at six months of age. […] Helmet therapy is most effective if started between six and eight months of age and is completed before 12 months, as this is when the skull grows rapidly.
- #41 Pediatric Cranial Remolding | Children’s Healthcare of Atlantahttps://www.choa.org/medical-services/orthopedics/orthotics-and-prosthetics/cranial-remolding
Treatment options may include: Repositioning techniques you can practice with your child; Watchful observation of your child; Physical therapy; A cranial remolding helmet. […] Half of our patients who are referred for evaluation do not require a helmet due to our focus on prevention, education, monitoring and team treatment. […] If a cranial remolding helmet is needed, it is our goal to complete treatment with one helmet. […] The STARband cranial remolding orthosis is a thermoplastic shell with a soft foam liner, custom-molded to your babys head shape. The STARscanner provides the information needed to create a custom-made shell for your child. As your child grows, the orthosis acts as a guide to gradually allow the head to reshape. Most babies adjust easily to wearing a helmet. […] If you think your baby has flat head syndrome, schedule an appointment with a specialist. Early treatment could prevent the need for a baby cranial helmet.
- #42 Brachycephaly – Treatment and Resultshttps://www.plagiocefalia.com/en/brachycephaly/
If your baby is between 4 and 18 months old, the best treatment for brachycephaly is a dynamic brace (cranial orthosis). […] The treatment consists of using a custom-made orthopedic helmet to take advantage of the growth of the head and thus correct the deformity. […] The treatment requires a series of regular visits to the specialist, who will make modifications to the helmet, depending on the growth of the skull. […] The treatment has an average duration of 4 months. It is advisable to treat brachycephaly as early as possible. […] With the use of the dynamic orthopedic helmet DOC Band the treatment of plagiocephaly is easy, safe and comfortable for your child. This helmet has enabled the recovery of more than 300,000 babies worldwide.
- #43 Ottobock | About Plagiocephaly (âFlat Head Syndromeâ)https://www.ottobock.com/en-us/plagiocephaly
Sometimes called a baby helmet, these specialized medical devices are used to help gently reshape a babys head over time. […] These special orthoses are designed to help adjust the shape of an infants skull. They can be produced in several different ways, including traditional foam helmets and lightweight, 3D-printed devices. […] CROs treat plagiocephaly using a combination of design features: contact zones that define gentle limits for growth and growth zones that leave space in areas needed to form a natural head shape. To deliver that result, a CRO typically needs to be worn 23 hours a day for 3 to 6 months. […] Jed regularly treats infants with plagiocephaly at Active Life in the US. Since we got the MyCRO Band, that is all I have been providing. We have had excellent results.
- #44 Flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly and brachycephaly): Treatment with a corrective helmethttps://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/plagiocephalytreatment
A corrective helmet can help treat your baby’s flat head syndrome. […] The helmet, also called a cranial remolding orthosis (CRO), is designed to gently correct the shape of your child’s skull over time. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months. […] A corrective helmet, or CRO, is a custom-made medical device used to address positional flattening of the skull in children. […] The helmet uses gentle holding pressures to reshape the skull over time as it redirects the heads growth into the areas that are flat. […] The ideal time to have a child assessed for helmet therapy is between four and six months of age. […] Your child will likely need to wear the helmet for three to five months or more, depending on your child’s rate of growth. […] It is recommended that your child wear the helmet between 22 and 23 hours per day to achieve optimal correction and prevent the helmet from becoming ill-fitting. […] You will have a follow-up visit with your orthotist two weeks after the fitting and then every four weeks until the end of treatment. […] The Children’s Orthotics Clinic is proud to offer both thermo-molded and 3D-printed orthotic helmets.
- #45 Infant Flat Head Treatment | Plagiocephaly Helmet | Ahead4Babieshttps://www.ahead4babies.com/
Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly can both be treated with a helmet. Our consultant surgeons have treated thousands of infants with head deformities over the past twenty years, and were pioneers in helmet therapy (CRANIO helmet) in the United Kingdom. […] We are also the only UK clinic where your babys head shape will be assessed by craniofacial surgeons who will rule out rare conditions such as craniosynostosis and hydrocephalus, before diagnosing and offering helmet therapy for confirmed cases of flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly or brachycephaly). […] Our therapy helmets are specifically designed and 3D printed according to your babys head shape. In order to ensure absolute accuracy, we use the Canfield Vectra 3D Imaging System to capture a 3D image of your babys head this is the leading imaging system used by renowned cosmetic surgeons. […] The 3D images of your babys head are used to custom make each therapy helmet, as well as to compare baby head shapes before and after treatment.
- #46 Treating Plagiocephaly (Surgery, Helmets and Repositioning)https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/plagiocephaly-need-surgery-correct
For infants with plagiocephaly, surgery can often be avoided by providing the appropriate treatments as the baby grows. […] It is extremely uncommon that a baby will need to undergo plagiocephaly surgery to resolve it. […] In more severe cases where there can be facial or brow deformation, or there is a wide area of flattening, repositioning techniques can only give modest improvement and there is not enough natural change to correct the head shape. […] Our specialist clinicians will then advise parents on whether or not a cranial helmet is recommended to gently correct the head shape of their baby as the head grows. […] A cranial helmet will bring about correction much faster than repositioning, helping babies with severe flat head syndrome. […] Our non-surgical TiMBandAir plagiocephaly treatment is comfortable and designed to fit the exact shape of your babys head.
- #47 Helmet Treatment for Babies: Why the Controversy?https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/helmet-treatment-for-babies-why-the-controversy
By contrast, 94.4% of infants using a helmet as first-line therapy achieved correction, as did 96.1% of those who received helmets after failed repositioning. […] If the deformity progresses or fails to improve after a month of repositioning, or if the child is over 5 months of age, it is doubtful that it will spontaneously resolve later. […] Baby helmet therapy requires active growth to bring about correction and 4 to 7 months is the ideal age to start treatment. […] Once the infant reaches 14 months of age, it is too late to intervene with baby helmet therapy. Any remaining deformity becomes permanent and surgery is the only option to remedy this.
- #48 Calls for more research into flat head syndrome and helmet therapy | MadeForMumshttps://www.madeformums.com/news/calls-for-more-research-into-flat-head-syndrome-in-babies-and-helmet-therapy/
Currently, the NHS does not recommend helmet therapy as standard treatment, citing insufficient evidence about its effectiveness. […] Senior reconstructive scientist Amy Davey, part of the team at Southmead, agrees that more research is crucial. […] There certainly needs to be more research into providing understanding behind when and where we can go and help with helmet therapy, and where there are alternatives, she told Sky News. […] Outside of the Southmead clinic, parents often face significant financial barriers if they wish to pursue helmet therapy. […] For parents like Becky, the benefits outweigh the challenges. She hopes that increased research and awareness will give other families more clarity when navigating flat head syndrome and potential treatments.
- #49 Helmet Treatment for Babies: Why the Controversy?https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/helmet-treatment-for-babies-why-the-controversy
By contrast, 94.4% of infants using a helmet as first-line therapy achieved correction, as did 96.1% of those who received helmets after failed repositioning. […] If the deformity progresses or fails to improve after a month of repositioning, or if the child is over 5 months of age, it is doubtful that it will spontaneously resolve later. […] Baby helmet therapy requires active growth to bring about correction and 4 to 7 months is the ideal age to start treatment. […] Once the infant reaches 14 months of age, it is too late to intervene with baby helmet therapy. Any remaining deformity becomes permanent and surgery is the only option to remedy this.
- #50 Helmet therapy for infant positional skull deformation 'should be dishttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276281
New research published in the BMJ suggests that for positional skull deformation in infants flattening of the skull as a result of laying in the same position for long periods wearing a corrective helmet does not improve the condition. […] Researchers say that use of a corrective helmet for infant positional skull deformation should be discouraged as it has no benefits. […] In most cases, a babys skull will correct itself over time. But in more severe cases, treatment may be required. This may involve the use of helmets, known as cranial orthoses. […] But in this latest study, researchers from the Netherlands have questioned the benefits of such treatment. […] On measuring the head shape of all infants once the babies reached 2 years old, the team found that the infants who wore the helmets showed no significant improvements, compared with those who received no treatment.
- #51 Helmet therapy for infant positional skull deformation 'should be dishttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276281
Helmet therapy led to 25.6% of infants making a full recovery from positional skull deformation, while 22.5% of infants who received no treatment made a full recovery which the researchers deem as no significant difference between groups. […] Based on the equal effectiveness of helmet therapy and skull deformation following its natural course, high prevalence of side effects, and high costs associated with helmet therapy, we discourage the use of a helmet as a standard treatment for healthy infants with moderate to severe skull deformation. […] The researchers point out that in both groups, only 25% of babies made a full recovery. Therefore, they stress the importance of preventing babies from developing positional skull deformation.
- #52 Does your baby need helmet therapy? 5 facts about flat head syndrome | UCLA Healthhttps://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/does-your-baby-need-helmet-therapy-5-facts-about-flat-head-syndrome
Babies come in all different shapes and sizes. But if your infants head shape is giving you cause for concern, it may be plagiocephaly a condition where your baby has a flat spot or misshapen head. […] The good news is that this common type of plagiocephaly, also called flat head syndrome, generally does not interfere with your childs development. And its highly treatable. […] Early diagnosis and treatment of plagiocephaly are important. […] Cranial helmet therapy isnt the only treatment option for flat head syndrome. […] There are several ways to treat flat head syndrome: […] Cranial helmet therapy involves your baby wearing a fitted helmet for 23 hours a day (leaving an hour daily for bathing and cleaning) for an average of three months. This therapy may help reform the skull but can be expensive, possibly costing $4,000 or more. […] Always consult with your pediatrician before trying any products or techniques claiming to prevent or treat plagiocephaly.
- #53 Plagiocephaly or flat head in babies | Raising Children Networkhttps://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/health-concerns/plagiocephaly
Often, mild plagiocephaly doesn’t need treatment. It’s likely to fix itself as your baby grows. […] If your baby needs treatment, your GP or nurse might recommend you see a paediatric physiotherapist, paediatrician or plastic surgeon, wholl develop a treatment plan. This treatment might include: repositioning your baby so they avoid lying on the flat head spot when awake, doing gentle exercises and stretches with your baby to improve their neck movements, encouraging motor skills like rolling, reaching and turning, giving your baby tummy time and time on their side when they’re awake, carrying your baby in certain ways your health professionals will advise you. […] For severe plagiocephaly, your specialist might recommend that your child wears a specially fitted helmet, which takes the pressure off the flat spot and allows your child’s head shape to change as their head grows.
- #54 Resolving Head Shape Concerns Through Craniosacral Therapy: Plagiocephaly, Torticollis and Morehttps://www.craniosacralgr.com/post/resolving-head-shape-concerns-through-craniosacral-therapy-plagiocephaly-torticollis-and-more
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle pressure less than the weight of a nickel to release the tension in the tissues and create space for the skull bones to find the right space where they belong. […] Craniosacral can amplify the work of the helmet and shorten treatment times. […] Our treatment plan for head shape involves a consistent approach to build and keep momentum. […] For families who want to address their babys head shape problems through craniosacral we have created a 10-week head shape treatment bundle that allows families to invest in the entire treatment plan and save 5 percent on their treatment cost. […] As always, its very important to find a craniosacral therapist who has ample experience treating babies and young children. […] We also highly recommend tummy time as an important strategy for strengthening and reversing the effects of pressure on the head.
- #55 Resolving Head Shape Concerns Through Craniosacral Therapy: Plagiocephaly, Torticollis and Morehttps://www.craniosacralgr.com/post/resolving-head-shape-concerns-through-craniosacral-therapy-plagiocephaly-torticollis-and-more
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle pressure less than the weight of a nickel to release the tension in the tissues and create space for the skull bones to find the right space where they belong. […] Craniosacral can amplify the work of the helmet and shorten treatment times. […] Our treatment plan for head shape involves a consistent approach to build and keep momentum. […] For families who want to address their babys head shape problems through craniosacral we have created a 10-week head shape treatment bundle that allows families to invest in the entire treatment plan and save 5 percent on their treatment cost. […] As always, its very important to find a craniosacral therapist who has ample experience treating babies and young children. […] We also highly recommend tummy time as an important strategy for strengthening and reversing the effects of pressure on the head.
- #56 Brachycephaly Treating | Flat Head Syndrome – Nabta Healthhttps://nabtahealth.com/article/brachycephaly-treating-flat-head-syndrome/?srsltid=AfmBOorJ7gXcE2uEYOBs1P7qzhSqiWw9bn-R0NqfELBgtivOeRlFtA94
In severe cases where the features of the face or ears are affected, helmet therapy may be indicated. However, this is much less common today than in the past. Rarely, babies with brachycephaly caused by premature fusion of the sutures of the head (craniosynostosis) require surgery. […] There is no role for craniosacral therapy in the treatment of positional skull deformities.
- #57 What is flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly or brachycephaly)? | NCThttps://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/baby-and-toddler-health/what-flat-head-syndrome-plagiocephaly-or-brachycephaly
In mild cases, babies wont need any treatment but you can help their head go back to a normal shape yourself. Try the following tips. […] Physiotherapy: For babies who have trouble turning their head, physiotherapy can be very helpful. […] There is a lack of strong evidence on how effective cranial osteopathy techniques and therapeutic strategies are. Similarly the use of helmets or special headbands generally arent recommended.
- #58 Deformational Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) | Brown University Healthhttps://www.brownhealth.org/centers-services/cleft-and-craniofacial-center/deformational-plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Fortunately, plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are very treatable. Treatment includes increasing your infants tummy time, changing his or her position frequently throughout the day, and possibly wearing a custom-made helmet (cranial orthosis) to reshape the skull. Special physical therapy exercises may be recommended. […] Unlike craniosynostosis, head flattening in most cases doesnt require corrective surgery.
- #59 Flat Head Baby (Plagiocephaly): Symptoms, Causes, Treatmenthttps://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/flat-head-baby
Surgery is usually necessary in a baby with congenital plagiocephaly when sutures in the skull have prematurely closed. Surgery can help relieve pressure in the skull and allow the brain to grow normally. […] Treatment will depend on the seriousness of your child’s condition and the suspected cause for plagiocephaly. […] Molding helmet therapy involves having the baby wear a custom-molded helmet or band that will gently help reform the skull into a symmetrical shape. […] Surgery isn’t usually needed in cases of positional plagiocephaly. It’s needed in most cases of congenital plagiocephaly when sutures have closed and pressure in the skull needs to be released.
- #60 Flat Head Baby Syndrome: Treating & Preventing Plagiocephalyhttps://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health/plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome/
Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, is when a baby’s head is flat on one side. It’s linked to a baby sleeping exclusively on his back as well as spending a lot of time lying in a rocker, car seat or swing. […] A flat head is treatable and doesn’t mean your baby is in pain or will have any developmental delays. […] Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s growth and development (including his head shape), help you make sure he gets plenty of tummy time, and offer other tips to reverse the flattening (called „positioning therapy”). In severe cases, your doctor may recommend a special helmet to help your baby’s head grow back into a rounder shape, although these can be expensive and uncomfortable for your child. […] Reducing pressure on the skull is the most common treatment for flat head syndrome. Tummy time is the most effective and easiest approach. It involves placing a blanket or towel on the floor and putting your baby on his stomach while he’s awake for a few minutes at a time, ideally for at least 30 minutes total every day. […] If your baby’s head shape doesn’t respond to these adjustments, your pediatrician may recommend a special helmet to help your baby’s skull grow more evenly. […] In very rare cases, your doctor may discuss surgery as an option to reshape a severely misshapen skull.
- #61 Positional Plagiocephaly – AANShttps://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/positional-plagiocephaly/
In the majority of cases, having a flattened area will not affect a child’s brain growth or mental development. Once a child is able to sit and stand, external forces are eliminated and the deformity begins to improve. […] However, when unresolved flattening causes facial abnormalities, problems with chewing, eating and vision may occur. In addition, children may have difficulties with socialization due to being self-conscious about their appearance. In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary. […] If positional therapy does not work, helmet or band therapy may be recommended. […] Today, there are a far wider variety of bands and helmets, many of which take into consideration the concepts of the original molding helmets and the DOC Band. […] For optimal effectiveness, it is recommended that helmet or band therapy begin by five months of age. The length of therapy depends on the individual case, but usually takes between two and six months.
- #62 Treating Plagiocephaly (Surgery, Helmets and Repositioning)https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/plagiocephaly-need-surgery-correct
The window of being able to treat plagiocephaly with a cranial helmet is quite short. […] However, by 18 to 24 months of age, most of the cranium growth has been achieved and the structures are becoming more rigid. […] So if parents want to correct the head shape after this age, the only way it can be done is with plagiocephaly surgery to correct the deformity. […] With the various and safe treatment options available, plagiocephaly surgery can usually be avoided. […] Surgical treatment is not a consideration for plagiocephaly and brachycephaly if it is corrected early.
- #63 Deformational Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) | Brown University Healthhttps://www.brownhealth.org/centers-services/cleft-and-craniofacial-center/deformational-plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Fortunately, plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are very treatable. Treatment includes increasing your infants tummy time, changing his or her position frequently throughout the day, and possibly wearing a custom-made helmet (cranial orthosis) to reshape the skull. Special physical therapy exercises may be recommended. […] Unlike craniosynostosis, head flattening in most cases doesnt require corrective surgery.
- #64 Children’s Positional Plagiocephaly Treatment Programhttps://www.nicklauschildrens.org/programs/positional-plagiocephaly-program
Treatment for 'Flat Head Syndrome’ and cranial asymmetry in babies. […] Infants with more severe cranial asymmetry may have a chance for improvement and benefit from cranial remodeling treatment with helmet therapy. […] The members of the Craniofacial team work together to develop and deliver a coordinated plan of care to meet each child’s individual needs. […] Cranial Remodeling Treatment Baby Head Shape Correction.
- #65 Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Flat Head Syndrome: Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly, and Dolichocephaly | Choose PThttps://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-to-head-shape-flatness-in-infants-plagiocephaly
Infant flat head syndrome is an atypical flattening or deformation of the skull that may present as: […] Physical therapists help determine the cause of the head flattening and the best treatment. […] The sooner a family sees a physical therapist, the better the chances of improving or preventing further head shape deformities. Early physical therapy also helps to reduce the risk for related developmental problems. […] Your child’s physical therapist will conduct a full evaluation. […] Pediatric physical therapists educate caregivers during all phases of infant development during pregnancy, right after birth, or in the first few months. Early caregiver education will include tips for proper positioning and ways to create movement opportunities for your baby. This information is key to prevention, treatment, and avoiding a worsening of flat head syndrome or possible developmental problems.
- #66 Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) | OHSUhttps://www.ohsu.edu/doernbecher/plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Our craniofacial team are experts at diagnosing and treating plagiocephaly. This common condition leads to flattened areas of an infants skull. For many babies, treatment may be as simple as adjusting their sleeping and resting position. […] After diagnosis, we will guide you through simple steps to reshape your infants head in the first months of life. […] If your baby needs a helmet to adjust their head shape, we will help you set up a plan and manage treatment at home. […] In many babies, the shape of the head will correct itself within two years. Often this happens when your child begins to sit up. Positional or helmet therapy may help. […] Our experts will work with you to create a treatment plan for your child. Positional therapy techniques may include: […] If your babys plagiocephaly is moderate to severe, we may recommend using a helmet or headband to reshape their skull. Helmet therapy may also help if positional therapy hasnt worked. […] The helmet provides gentle pressure to slow head growth in some areas while allowing growth in the flat areas. […] We provide complete care for plagiocephaly, including follow-up care with a nurse practitioner and physical therapists who specialize in this condition.
- #67 Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly – misshapen headhttps://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Plagiocephaly_and_brachycephaly_-_misshapen_head/
Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are common conditions where a babys head is misshapen. […] Plagiocephaly usually improves without treatment if your baby is active and has lots of one-on-one interaction. […] Most babies with a misshapen head do not need any treatment especially if they are active and have plenty of one-on-one interaction. Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly usually improve as your baby grows and starts to move their head by themselves. […] If your baby needs treatment for a misshapen head, a doctor may refer you to a specialist clinic. This may include sessions with a paediatrician, childrens physiotherapist and orthotist. […] A very small number of babies with plagiocephaly and brachycephaly have a severe and persistent deformity and may need helmet therapy. […] Most babies do not need helmet therapy. However, a specialist may suggest it if your baby’s head is severely and persistently misshapen at six months of age. […] Helmet therapy is most effective if started between six and eight months of age and is completed before 12 months, as this is when the skull grows rapidly.
- #68 Pediatric Cranial Remolding | Children’s Healthcare of Atlantahttps://www.choa.org/medical-services/orthopedics/orthotics-and-prosthetics/cranial-remolding
Treatment options may include: Repositioning techniques you can practice with your child; Watchful observation of your child; Physical therapy; A cranial remolding helmet. […] Half of our patients who are referred for evaluation do not require a helmet due to our focus on prevention, education, monitoring and team treatment. […] If a cranial remolding helmet is needed, it is our goal to complete treatment with one helmet. […] The STARband cranial remolding orthosis is a thermoplastic shell with a soft foam liner, custom-molded to your babys head shape. The STARscanner provides the information needed to create a custom-made shell for your child. As your child grows, the orthosis acts as a guide to gradually allow the head to reshape. Most babies adjust easily to wearing a helmet. […] If you think your baby has flat head syndrome, schedule an appointment with a specialist. Early treatment could prevent the need for a baby cranial helmet.
- #69 Flat Head Syndrome/Plagiocephaly | University of Utah Healthhttps://healthcare.utah.edu/plastic-surgery/pediatric/plagiocephaly
Mild cases of plagiocephaly usually dont need to be treated. However, for moderate or severe plagiocephaly, we recommend that either your baby wear a helmet, or that you reposition your baby (encourage your baby to lie in different positions). We will recommend a treatment depending on the age of your baby. […] Repositioning is when parents encourage their baby to lie differently so a certain area on a babys head isnt under constant pressure, which causes flatness. […] Repositioning can make a real difference to a babys head shape. But if you dont notice or treat flat head syndrome until your baby is about five-months old, he may need to wear a specially made helmet to coax or guide his head back into shape. […] Helmets have an excellence chance of working until a baby is eight or nine months old. But by a childs first birthday, their head is almost completely formed, so a helmet cant help correct your childs head shape by this time. This is why its so important for parents to do something about plagiocephaly when they first notice it.
- #70 Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly – misshapen headhttps://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Plagiocephaly_and_brachycephaly_-_misshapen_head/
Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are common conditions where a babys head is misshapen. […] Plagiocephaly usually improves without treatment if your baby is active and has lots of one-on-one interaction. […] Most babies with a misshapen head do not need any treatment especially if they are active and have plenty of one-on-one interaction. Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly usually improve as your baby grows and starts to move their head by themselves. […] If your baby needs treatment for a misshapen head, a doctor may refer you to a specialist clinic. This may include sessions with a paediatrician, childrens physiotherapist and orthotist. […] A very small number of babies with plagiocephaly and brachycephaly have a severe and persistent deformity and may need helmet therapy. […] Most babies do not need helmet therapy. However, a specialist may suggest it if your baby’s head is severely and persistently misshapen at six months of age. […] Helmet therapy is most effective if started between six and eight months of age and is completed before 12 months, as this is when the skull grows rapidly.
- #71 Plagiocephaly – Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, is a condition characterized by an asymmetrical distortion (flattening of one side) of the skull. […] Depending on whether synostosis is involved, plagiocephaly divides into two groups: synostotic, with one or more fused cranial sutures, and non-synostotic (deformational). Surgical treatment of these groups includes the deference method; however, the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly is controversial. […] The condition may improve to some extent as the baby grows, but in some cases, home treatment or physical therapy treatment can improve the shape of a baby’s head. […] Early interventions (based on the severity) are important to reduce the severity of the degree of plagiocephaly. […] If a diagnosis of mild to moderate plagiocephaly occurs before four months of age, repositioning therapy may be helpful. If the diagnosis is determined to be severe, practitioners will likely prescribe a cranial molding orthosis (helmet), which has the best results when prescribed between five and six months of age.
- #72 Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments in Positional Plagiocephaly in Infants: A Systematic Reviewhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10378416/
Conservative treatments for plagiocephaly include postural adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy, and the use of head orthoses. […] Conservative treatments, including repositioning techniques, physical therapy, and the use of orthotic devices, have emerged as viable options to mitigate the severity and progression of PP. […] The results indicated that both therapies (CHT and PT) led to improvements in cranial deformity, with no statistically significant differences between both treatments. […] It is suggested that for infants who have moderate to severe plagiocephaly that presents itself at a later stage, or for those who still have persistent moderate to severe plagiocephaly even after undergoing conservative treatments, helmet therapy is a recommended solution. […] Orthotic treatment for children can be initiated after six months of age, but starting treatment at a later age may result in a lower therapeutic success. […] More research is needed on physiotherapy treatment and its results.
- #73 Flat Head Syndrome/Plagiocephaly | University of Utah Healthhttps://healthcare.utah.edu/plastic-surgery/pediatric/plagiocephaly
Mild cases of plagiocephaly usually dont need to be treated. However, for moderate or severe plagiocephaly, we recommend that either your baby wear a helmet, or that you reposition your baby (encourage your baby to lie in different positions). We will recommend a treatment depending on the age of your baby. […] Repositioning is when parents encourage their baby to lie differently so a certain area on a babys head isnt under constant pressure, which causes flatness. […] Repositioning can make a real difference to a babys head shape. But if you dont notice or treat flat head syndrome until your baby is about five-months old, he may need to wear a specially made helmet to coax or guide his head back into shape. […] Helmets have an excellence chance of working until a baby is eight or nine months old. But by a childs first birthday, their head is almost completely formed, so a helmet cant help correct your childs head shape by this time. This is why its so important for parents to do something about plagiocephaly when they first notice it.
- #74 Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (flat head syndrome)https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plagiocephaly-brachycephaly/
Mild flattening of the head will usually improve if you use the simple measures described on this page, although it may be a couple of months before you start to notice an improvement. […] You may consider using a helmet or headband if you’re worried about your child, but it’s not clear whether these always work.
- #75 Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly and brachycephaly) | nidirecthttps://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/flat-head-syndrome-plagiocephaly-and-brachycephaly
The shape of your baby’s head should improve naturally over time, as their skull develops and they start moving their head, rolling around and crawling. […] Simple measures to take pressure off the flattened part of their head can also help. […] If your baby has difficulty turning their head, physiotherapy may help loosen and strengthen their neck muscles. […] There is no clear evidence to suggest that helmets or headbands work in treating this condition. […] Some people try special curved mattresses, that are designed to spread the weight of a baby’s head over a larger area, so less pressure is placed on a particular point of their skull. […] Mild flattening of the head will usually improve if you use the simple measures above. It may be a couple of months before you start to notice an improvement.
- #76 Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (flat head syndrome)https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plagiocephaly-brachycephaly/
Babies sometimes develop a flattened head when they’re a few months old, usually as a result of them spending a lot of time lying on their back. […] A slightly flattened head is not usually anything to worry about, but it’s a good idea to get advice early on so you can take steps to stop it getting any worse. […] The shape of your baby’s head should improve naturally over time as their skull develops and they start moving their head, rolling around and crawling. […] If your baby has difficulty turning their head, physiotherapy may help loosen and strengthen their neck muscles. […] Corrective surgery may be needed if they have craniosynostosis. […] There are specially designed helmets and headbands that some people claim can help improve the shape of a baby’s skull as they grow. […] Treatment is started when the child’s skull is still soft, usually at around 5 or 6 months old, and the device is worn almost continuously (up to 23 hours a day) for several months.
- #77 Diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephalyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7206465/
The total duration of helmet treatment averages between 2 to 6 months, and the parents should note that the duration will vary depending on the degree of asymmetry of the head shape and the time of commencement of treatment. […] Surgical treatment is very effective in cases of plagiocephaly with craniosynostosis, and various surgical methods are available. […] However, many studies report that, since there are many cases of recurrence and changes in the shape of the skull after surgery, helmet treatment after surgical treatment, such as craniotomy and distraction osteogenesis of the cranium, is beneficial. […] For the patients with positional plagiocephaly, appropriate helmet therapy, in accordance with their ages, is a very effective treatment to change the shape and position of their head.
- #78 Helmet Treatment for Babies: Why the Controversy?https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/helmet-treatment-for-babies-why-the-controversy
By contrast, 94.4% of infants using a helmet as first-line therapy achieved correction, as did 96.1% of those who received helmets after failed repositioning. […] If the deformity progresses or fails to improve after a month of repositioning, or if the child is over 5 months of age, it is doubtful that it will spontaneously resolve later. […] Baby helmet therapy requires active growth to bring about correction and 4 to 7 months is the ideal age to start treatment. […] Once the infant reaches 14 months of age, it is too late to intervene with baby helmet therapy. Any remaining deformity becomes permanent and surgery is the only option to remedy this.
- #79 Flat head syndrome: plagiocephaly & brachycephalyhttps://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/baby-health-what-is-flat-head-syndrome
If your baby does have a misshaped head and you are wondering if your baby’s head will ever round out then I am here to tell you that by the time your baby is one or two years old then any flattening should have improved by then and will hardly if not at all noticeable, especially as their hair grows.
- #80 Flat Head Syndrome: Plagiocephaly Explained | Pampers UKhttps://www.pampers.co.uk/newborn-baby/care/article/flat-head-syndrome
In some cases, your doctor may recommend physiotherapy to help treat flat head syndrome. […] Flat head syndrome is common and usually not dangerous or permanent; but always follow your doctors advice such as regularly changing your babys position or doing physiotherapy to treat an associated condition like torticollis. […] Experts say the best treatment for flat head syndrome is to prevent it in the first place by ensuring your baby doesnt spend too much time in a lying position while awake.
- #81 Preventing and Treating Flat Head Syndromehttps://www.pathfinder.health/post/flat-head
Many babies develop an asymmetrical head shape or flattened spot on the side or back of the head after birth. This is often called „flat head syndrome.” […] Plagiocephaly is the medical term for a baby’s head that has a flat spot on one side and looks asymmetrical. […] Brachycephaly is when the back of the baby’s head flattens, causing the entire head to become wider. […] Positional plagiocephaly (sometimes referred to as „deformational plagiocephaly”) or brachycephaly occurs when babies lie with their heads in the same position for a long time, putting constant pressure on the back or side of their skull. […] If your baby’s head shape is uneven, don’t worry! Mild cases of flattened heads often don’t require any treatment. […] As your baby moves around more and naturally spends more time in different positions, their head shape will often correct itself as they grow.
- #82 Brachycephaly Treating | Flat Head Syndrome – Nabta Healthhttps://nabtahealth.com/article/brachycephaly-treating-flat-head-syndrome/?srsltid=AfmBOorJ7gXcE2uEYOBs1P7qzhSqiWw9bn-R0NqfELBgtivOeRlFtA94
Brachycephaly: Treating Flat Head Syndrome article image A baby with brachycephaly typically has a flat spot on the back of the skull, and the head appears to be widened. It is similar to plagiocephaly, which occurs when only one side of the babys head is flattened. […] Prevention of brachycephaly is easy. Newborns need at least a few minutes of time on their stomachs, while awake, several times a day. This encourages muscle development in the neck and back and takes pressure off the back of the skull. […] Your pediatrician will examine for positional skull deformities. They will notice head shape and any head tilt preference. A baby with early brachycephaly will respond well to positioning changes. Limiting time spent in car seats and bouncers can also help. Tight neck muscles can be gently stretched with mild exercises suggested by a doctor. At times, pediatricians refer children to a physical therapist to assess the neck and work with the family to improve head shape. When brachycephaly is noted early, treatment is very effective.
- #83 Plagiocephaly, Positional Plagiocephaly, Flat Head Syndrome: Causes & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10691-plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Infant repositioning is one of the best ways to prevent flat head syndrome. Be sure to alternate your babys head position while theyre sleeping. In addition, give your baby plenty of tummy time while theyre awake and youre supervising them. […] You should be able to correct or minimize flat head syndrome with infant repositioning techniques. Starting early and staying consistent helps. If repositioning isnt working, or if your babys neck muscles seem tense, call their healthcare provider. Physical therapy or a helmet may help.
- #84 Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly | Thames Valley Children’s Centrehttps://www.tvcc.on.ca/resource/plagiocephaly-and-brachycephaly
Since the introduction of the Back to Sleep Program, the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has decreased. This is great news! Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep. However, because so many babies are now spending long periods of time on their backs, there has been an increase in the number of babies developing flat heads […] This flattening of a babys skull is called positional plagiocephaly or brachycephaly […] In most cases, having a flat area will not affect brain growth or development. Having a flat head usually only affects a babys appearance. If untreated, it may cause the head and face to develop unevenly, especially the eyes, ears, nose, forehead, and jaw. […] Up until about 12 months of age a babys skull bones are very soft. During this time it is possible to improve head shape by using different strategies such as tummy time, exercises, and positional techniques. […] Some families choose to have a custom molded helmet which can help reshape the skull. Helmets are made by an orthotist. […] Starting these strategies early means a greater chance of improvement. […] Discuss with a specialist if helmet therapy would be a good option for your baby.
- #85 Calls for more research into flat head syndrome in babies and whether helmet therapy works | UK News | Sky Newshttps://news.sky.com/story/calls-for-more-research-into-flat-head-syndrome-in-babies-and-whether-helmet-therapy-works-13276622
Senior reconstructive scientist Amy Davey wants to increase awareness and is creating a tool to assess babies, which will help find the „right treatment pathway” for infants. […] Clinicians agree that more research is needed but warn parents should not be put off lying sleeping babies on their backs. […] Dr Joanna Garstang is a community paediatrician and adviser for the cot death charity the Lullaby Trust. […] She told us that while flat head syndrome is common, „in nearly all cases it just resolves spontaneously as the baby grows and begins to sit up and crawl”. […] „Even if parents are worried about flat head, putting the baby on the back to sleep is by far the safest way for the baby to sleep. If they’re worried about flat head they should talk to their GP or health visitor,” Dr Garstang said. […] Becky Darby says choosing helmet therapy is „the best decision” that she took.
- #86https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_positional_plagio_brachycephaly_inst
Flat spots can be prevented and treated when caught early. If there’s a large head shape change, your doctor may recommend other treatment and more support from a pediatric physiotherapist. […] If your baby has a flat spot that is on one side of the back of their head, this is called plagiocephaly. The goal is to keep the flat spot up and out, away from the pressure of resting on firm surfaces. […] If your baby has a flat spot across the back of their head, this is called brachycephaly. The goal for treatment is to take pressure off the back of the head. […] It’s important to make sure to get advice from your doctor and a physiotherapist if you notice changes in your baby’s head shape. Your baby will have the best results if you notice changes early and deal with them right away.
- #87 Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Flat Head Syndrome: Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly, and Dolichocephaly | Choose PThttps://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-to-head-shape-flatness-in-infants-plagiocephaly
The sooner a baby sees a pediatric physical therapist, the more likely it is to prevent further loss of range of motion or a worsening of the flattened skull. Early diagnosis at or shortly after birth provides the quickest and best results to help correct head shape flatness. […] Families and caregivers should seek early screening of their newborns for any neck range of motion problems and a flat spot on the baby’s skull. The sooner a baby sees a pediatric physical therapist, the sooner prevention or correction of muscle tightness and flattening of the skull can occur. […] All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat a variety of conditions, including infant flat head syndrome.
- #88 Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments in Positional Plagiocephaly in Infants: A Systematic Reviewhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10378416/
Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze conservative treatments implemented to manage positional plagiocephaly in infants. […] Physical therapy treatment is considered as the first line of intervention in plagiocephaly with non-synostotic asymmetries and manual therapy is the method that obtains the best results within this intervention. In cases of moderate or severe plagiocephaly, helmet therapy can be an effective second-line intervention; however, the best way to prevent this condition is through counseling of parents or caregivers, and early treatment is essential for optimal therapeutic outcomes. […] Conservative treatments are usually preferred for cases of PP that are not associated with craniosynostosis. Out of the many conservative treatment options, helmet therapy and postural correction work with physical therapy provides good results.
- #89 Plagiocephaly And Physical Therapy – Klarity Health Libraryhttps://my.klarity.health/plagiocephaly-and-physical-therapy/
Non-surgical treatments include changing positions, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and helmet therapy. These treatments work well, especially when started early because babies’ skulls are still flexible. […] Physical therapy for neck stiffness should include regular checks on the baby’s progress and extra exercises to help with any delays.
- #90 Does your baby need helmet therapy? 5 facts about flat head syndrome | UCLA Healthhttps://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/does-your-baby-need-helmet-therapy-5-facts-about-flat-head-syndrome
Babies come in all different shapes and sizes. But if your infants head shape is giving you cause for concern, it may be plagiocephaly a condition where your baby has a flat spot or misshapen head. […] The good news is that this common type of plagiocephaly, also called flat head syndrome, generally does not interfere with your childs development. And its highly treatable. […] Early diagnosis and treatment of plagiocephaly are important. […] Cranial helmet therapy isnt the only treatment option for flat head syndrome. […] There are several ways to treat flat head syndrome: […] Cranial helmet therapy involves your baby wearing a fitted helmet for 23 hours a day (leaving an hour daily for bathing and cleaning) for an average of three months. This therapy may help reform the skull but can be expensive, possibly costing $4,000 or more. […] Always consult with your pediatrician before trying any products or techniques claiming to prevent or treat plagiocephaly.
- #91 Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) | OHSUhttps://www.ohsu.edu/doernbecher/plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome
Our craniofacial team are experts at diagnosing and treating plagiocephaly. This common condition leads to flattened areas of an infants skull. For many babies, treatment may be as simple as adjusting their sleeping and resting position. […] After diagnosis, we will guide you through simple steps to reshape your infants head in the first months of life. […] If your baby needs a helmet to adjust their head shape, we will help you set up a plan and manage treatment at home. […] In many babies, the shape of the head will correct itself within two years. Often this happens when your child begins to sit up. Positional or helmet therapy may help. […] Our experts will work with you to create a treatment plan for your child. Positional therapy techniques may include: […] If your babys plagiocephaly is moderate to severe, we may recommend using a helmet or headband to reshape their skull. Helmet therapy may also help if positional therapy hasnt worked. […] The helmet provides gentle pressure to slow head growth in some areas while allowing growth in the flat areas. […] We provide complete care for plagiocephaly, including follow-up care with a nurse practitioner and physical therapists who specialize in this condition.