How to Treat Brachycephaly And Plagiocephaly?

What are Brachycephaly and Plagiocephaly?

Flat head syndrome, also known as positional Brachycephaly and Plagiocephaly, is a common condition among infants characterized by a flattened area on the back or side of the head. There are two main types of plagiocephaly, where the head is flattened on one side, causing asymmetry and sometimes bulging of the forehead and face, and brachycephaly, where the back of the head becomes flattened, resulting in a wider and shorter skull shape. These conditions can occur due to prolonged pressure on the baby's skull, such as from lying in one position for too long.

Why Do Brachycephaly and Plagiocephaly Occur?

Several factors can contribute to the development of brachycephaly and plagiocephaly in infants. One of the primary causes is prolonged pressure on the baby's skull, which can occur when infants spend extended periods in one position, such as lying on their backs. This pressure can lead to flattening of certain areas of the skull, resulting in an abnormal shape.

Other factors that may contribute to these conditions include:

1. Spending excessive time in car seats, swings, or other devices that restrict movement.
2. Premature birth, which can affect skull development.
3. Muscular torticollis, a condition in which the neck muscles are tight or shortened, causing the baby to prefer one head position.

How to Identify Brachycephaly and Plagiocephaly?

Parents can often identify brachycephaly and plagiocephaly by observing the shape of their baby's head. Signs of brachycephaly include a wide and shortened skull shape, while plagiocephaly may present as a flat spot on one side of the head or asymmetry in the facial features. Pediatricians can also assess infants for these conditions during routine check-ups.

Treatment Solutions for Brachycephaly and Plagiocephaly

Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options available for brachycephaly and plagiocephaly. These treatments aim to reshape the baby's skull and promote normal growth and development. Some common treatment solutions include:

1. Repositioning Techniques: One of the first steps in treating brachycephaly and plagiocephaly is to encourage repositioning of the baby's head during sleep and awake times. This may involve alternating the direction in which the baby sleeps or using positioning aids to help prevent pressure on specific areas of the skull.
2. Physical Therapy: For infants with muscular torticollis contributing to plagiocephaly, physical therapy may be recommended. Physical therapists can work with the baby to improve neck muscle strength and flexibility, allowing for better head movement and positioning.
3. Helmet Therapy: In more severe cases of brachycephaly or plagiocephaly, helmet therapy may be recommended. This involves fitting the baby with a custom-made helmet designed to gently reshape the skull over time. The helmet provides consistent pressure on the areas of the skull that need reshaping, promoting more symmetrical growth.
4. Tummy Time: Encouraging tummy time while the baby is awake can also help prevent and treat brachycephaly and plagiocephaly. Tummy time allows the baby to strengthen neck and upper body muscles while alleviating pressure on the back of the head.

Benefits of Treating Brachycephaly and Plagiocephaly

Treating brachycephaly and plagiocephaly early on can have numerous benefits for infants. Some of these benefits include:

1. Improved Skull Shape: One of the primary benefits of treatment is the promotion of more symmetrical skull growth. Interventions such as repositioning techniques, physical therapy, and helmet therapy can help reshape the baby's skull, resulting in a more normal head shape.
2. Prevention of Developmental Delays: In cases where plagiocephaly is associated with muscular torticollis, early intervention can help prevent potential developmental delays. Physical therapy aimed at improving neck muscle function and mobility can facilitate age-appropriate developmental milestones.
3. Enhanced Self-Esteem: As children grow older, having a more symmetrical head shape can contribute to enhanced self-esteem and confidence. By addressing brachycephaly and plagiocephaly during infancy, parents can help set their child up for positive self-image development in the future.
4. Reduced Risk of Secondary Health Issues: Reshaping the skull to a more normal shape can also have broader health benefits for infants. For example, addressing brachycephaly and plagiocephaly may reduce the risk of issues such as ear infections or dental problems associated with abnormal skull shape.
5. Facilitation of Motor Skills Development: By promoting more symmetrical skull growth and improving neck muscle function, treatment for brachycephaly and plagiocephaly can facilitate the development of motor skills. This can include activities such as rolling over, crawling, and eventually walking.
6. Long-Term Cost Savings: Addressing flat head syndrome early on may lead to long-term cost savings for families. By avoiding potential complications associated with untreated brachycephaly and plagiocephaly, such as the need for corrective surgeries or ongoing medical treatments, families can reduce healthcare expenses over time.