Plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, is a medical condition characterized by an asymmetrical flattening of the skull.

Causes

The most common cause of plagiocephaly is positional molding, which occurs when a baby's head is consistently in the same position, putting pressure on one side of the skull. This can happen due to:

• Prolonged time spent sleeping on their back or side
• Preferential head turning, where a baby tends to turn their head to one side more than the other
• Torticollis, a condition that causes the neck muscles to tighten, leading to limited range of motion and preferential head turning

Symptoms

The symptoms of plagiocephaly may include:

• Asymmetrical skull shape, with one side being flatter than the other
• Uneven facial features, such as one ear being higher or more forward than the other
• Difficulty turning the head to one side due to tight neck muscles (torticollis)

Diagnosis

Plagiocephaly is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare professional. The doctor may:

• Observe the shape of the baby's skull and facial features
• Check for any limitations in head movement or neck range of motion
• Take measurements of the skull to assess the degree of asymmetry

Treatment

Treatment for plagiocephaly depends on the severity of the condition and the age of the child. Options may include:

• Repositioning techniques, such as changing the baby's sleep position or using a wedge pillow to encourage even head movement
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles (torticollis)
• Helmet therapy, which involves wearing a custom-made helmet to gently mold the skull into a more symmetrical shape
• Surgery, in severe cases where the condition is causing significant facial asymmetry or other complications

Prevention

To reduce the risk of plagiocephaly, parents can take the following steps:

• Provide tummy time for their baby, to strengthen neck muscles and encourage even head movement
• Avoid prolonged periods in car seats or other devices that can cause pressure on one side of the skull
• Alternate the direction of their baby's head while sleeping, to prevent preferential head turning

Prognosis

The prognosis for plagiocephaly is generally good, especially with early diagnosis and treatment. Most children with mild cases can achieve significant improvement with repositioning techniques and physical therapy. More severe cases may require helmet therapy or surgery, but with proper treatment, the condition can be effectively managed.