Plagiocephaly, often referred to as “flat head syndrome,” is a condition in which an infant’s head develops a flattened appearance on one side. This condition is most common during the first few months of life when babies spend most of their time lying on their backs. It is essential for parents and caregivers to understand plagiocephaly, its causes, and treatment options.
What causes plagiocephaly in babies?
There are many causes for plagiocephaly, but some of the most common include:
- Prolonged lying on one side of the head. Because babies’ skulls are soft and moldable, it creates a flat spot when a baby consistently sleeps or lies in the same position. Because a baby’s skull is very soft, the regular pressure can cause deformational plagiocephaly over some time.
- Overuse of car seats or strollers. When a baby sits in a car seat or another seating device for an extended period, this risks developing the condition by limiting the baby’s head movement and applying constant pressure to one area of the skull.
- Insufficient tummy time. When babies spend too little time on their stomachs while awake, they miss opportunities to relieve pressure on the back of their heads. Tummy time is essential for promoting a rounded head shape.
- Prematurity. Premature babies are likelier to develop flattened heads because their skulls are less fully developed. They also spend more time lying down at the hospital and when at home.
- Muscular Torticoliis. Babies with this condition have tight neck muscles that cause their heads to twist, rotate, and favor one side over the other.
All in all, plagiocephaly primarily arises due to mismanaged external pressures on a baby’s soft skull.
Various types of plagiocephaly include:
- Plagiocephaly is a condition where the back of the head is flat on one side in a slant.
- Brachycephaly is a condition where the back of the head is flat across the back of the head on both sides.
- Scaphocephaly is a condition where the back of the head is flat on the sides of the head and the head is elongated front to back.
Is plagiocephaly due to neglect?
As parents and caregivers, we need to understand that if our baby has plagiocephaly, it is not a sign of neglect. Parents may worry that they are to blame, but plagiocephaly often occurs despite attentive care. Ensuring that babies sleep safely on their backs (as recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome) and holding your baby frequently can help mitigate the risk. However, the occurrence of a flat spot is sometimes unavoidable. The good news is that it is a treatable condition!
What happens if you don’t fix plagiocephaly?
If plagiocephaly is not addressed, it can lead to long-term consequences. While many cases are mild and resolve naturally as the baby grows, severe cases can result in persistent head shape asymmetry. This may cause difficulties with fitting helmets or hats and, in rare instances, can affect the alignment of the jaw and ears. This is why it is crucial to get treatment as early as possible.
At what age is plagiocephaly permanent?
The first few months of life are critical for addressing plagiocephaly. By six months, the baby’s skull begins to fuse and harden, making it more challenging to correct a flat spot. Early intervention is key. Significant improvement is often seen when plagiocephaly is recognized early and treated promptly.
How do you fix plagiocephaly in babies?
Several strategies can help correct plagiocephaly in babies:
- Repositioning Techniques. Regular changing of the baby’s head position during sleep and wake times reduces pressure on the affected area. Parents can use various positioning aids to encourage their babies to turn their flat spots in different directions.
- Tummy Time. Not only does tummy time help and promote overall motor development in babies, but it also reduces the risks and avoids several pitfalls that may lead to a flat spot on the baby’s skull. Tummy time gently positions the baby to spend more time on their stomach while awake, strengthening neck muscles and relieving pressure on the back of the head. The more tummy time, the less risk of deformational plagiocephaly.
- Physical Therapy strengthens and exercises the neck muscles while promoting symmetrical head-shape growth. Physical therapy also provides parents with knowledge they can implement at home, using specific exercises and stretches to help improve the baby’s head and neck mobility.
- Corrective Helmets or Orthotic devices help gradually reshape the baby’s head over time. Helmet therapy is recommended when the flat spot is more severe. This corrective measure is most effective when started between 4 and 6 months of age.
Is plagiocephaly just cosmetic?
While it may seem that plagiocephaly is primarily cosmetic and only affects the head shape, it can also have other functional consequences. Severe deformational plagiocephaly might lead to difficulties with jaw alignment and asymmetry in facial features.
Do all babies with plagiocephaly need a helmet?
Not all babies with plagiocephaly require helmet therapy. The necessity for a helmet depends on the severity of the flat spot and the baby’s age. Mild cases often improve with repositioning and physical therapy. However, your healthcare professional may recommend a cranial helmet for moderate to severe cases, especially if noticed later in the baby’s development.
Treating Plagiocephaly at Pongratz
If you are concerned that your baby may have plagiocephaly, please schedule an appointment with us at any of our Pongratz locations for a thorough physical evaluation.
Our teams in Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert/Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Tuscon would love to help you.
Call us at (602) 222-3032 to begin the process today.
