Plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis:
Flat head syndrome in infants
Every one loves a beautiful baby, but when a baby is born
with a head that appears to be flat, parents and others may become concerned
about the shape of the baby's head, his or her mental status and general
appearance.
At birth, sometimes a baby's
head seems to be flat, on just one side. The other side of the baby's head may
appear to be perfectly normal in size and shape. The baby's head can be flat at
the back or on the top. As the baby grows older, this may become increasingly
evident.
"Flat head syndrome is
another name for plagiocephaly. Postional plagiocephaly occurs when a baby's
head develops a flat spot or becomes asymmetrical due to some kind of external
pressure." (1)
When a baby has just been born,
his or her parents should not be unduly alarmed about the shape of his or her
head, as it may be determined to some extent, by its position in the uterus
prior to birth. As the baby begins to descend into the birth canal, his or her
head will mold itself in order to pass through the birth canal safely. This is
part of the normal birthing process.
"Many babies are born with
an abnormally shaped head as a result of pressure exerted on them during birth,
but most babies' heads will correct themselves within about six weeks."
(2)
When should parents become
concerned, if their baby's head appears to be asymmetrical or has flat spots?
"If your baby's head
remains asymmetrical beyond age 6 weeks, or if you start to notice a flat area
after 6 weeks of age, you'll want to see your baby's doctor for referral to a
specialist." (3)
Is it possible that a baby with
a flat head could have medical problems?
Yes, it is possible, but when
that is the case, there are likely to be other symptoms that become
increasingly evident.
"Babies with severe
plagiocephaly may also have prominent foreheads, misaligned ears, and uneven
facial features." (4)
"Positional plagiocephaly
is similar to and often mistaken for craniosynostosis, a more serious
congenital condition in which one or more joints between the bones of the skull
close up too early and the baby's head becomes deformed." (5)
At times, a baby's head may
appear to be symmetrical at birth, but then it gradually becomes flat or
misshapen, during the first few months of the baby's life. Why does this
happen?
This is probably a less serious
form of positional plagiocephaly. It is generally the result of the position
that the baby is repeatedly placed in, when he or she sleeps. As the baby gets
older, he or she will gradually begin to assume his or her own position for
sleeping. This may be the original fetal position, which is normally a
familiar, as well as a comfortable position for the baby to sleep in.
During the first few months of
a baby's life, carefully positioning the baby before he or she goes to sleep
can help to change the shape of the baby's head. Re-positioning a baby, after
he or she goes to sleep, can also be an effective way of helping the baby's head
to become more symmetrical. Many parents use a rolled baby blanket or small
pillows to position or reposition their babies.
Baby's do not need to sleep in
the same position all of the time, even though many parents choose to place
small babies in the same position, every time they put them to bed. It is a
good idea to change the baby's sleep position off and on. In other words, he or
she should not always sleep on one side or the other or on his or her back or
stomach. There is some degree of controversy, as to which position is ideal for
babies to sleep in.
Sitting a baby up in a prop
chair, car seat or jolly jumper will help remove the pressure from a flattened
area on a baby's head. Carrying the baby close to you, using a position where
the baby's head is elevated, will allow the baby's head to have a change in
position and nurture your mother-baby relationship, at the same time.
Medical conditions like
torticollis, where there is a tight or shortened neck muscle can result in a
baby's head appearing tilted to one side. When there are multiple births or if
there is a breech birth, the shape of the baby's head may also be affected. (6)
Diagnosis of flat head syndrome
is carried out with observation, physical examination, x-rays or a CT scan.
Treatment of flat head syndrome
in babies normally begins with repositioning therapy. As a baby learns to sit
up and crawl, his or her head will gradually begin to become more symmetrical
on its own. In serious cases, cranial orthotic therapy, with the use of a band or
helmet, may prove to be effective. Reconstructive surgery may be required in
severe cases of craniosynostosis. (7)
There other factors that must
considered, with regard to the position that a baby sleeps in.
"Since 1992, when the American Academy
Most parents truly love their
babies and tend to take many baby pictures, as well as keep detailed records of
their babies' growth, development and general progress. This is important, as
structural or developmental changes are often evident. These records are then
available for family doctors or pediatricians.
For those interested in a
support group for babies with flat head syndrome, please see the following web
site: http://www.cappskids.org
Be aware that most people see
babies as being beautiful and will seldom notice the fact that a baby has a
flat head. What they will see is the baby's smile. Rest assured knowing that
the majority of babies do outgrow flat head syndrome, over time.
1.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome_1187981.bc
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
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