Craniosynostosis, a significant neurological condition affecting infants, involves the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, which can lead to cosmetic and developmental issues. While surgery is commonly employed to correct this premature fusion, ensuring the skull properly reforms after such intervention is equally crucial. This is where helmet therapy is vital, serving as a critical component of post-surgical care.
Understanding Craniosynostosis
“Craniosynostosis can profoundly impact a child’s development. When one or more of the skull’s sutures fuse early, it can constrain the brain’s growth and change the shape of the head,” explains Stuart Weiner, CPO, LPO at The Cranial Center of New Jersey. “Early intervention, typically through surgery, is crucial for correcting the suture and allowing normal brain growth.”
Surgery aims to correct the shape of the skull and allow the brain enough space to grow normally. However, the role of surgery is primarily functional, making room for the growing brain, while the cosmetic aspect is managed through subsequent treatments, mainly helmet therapy.
The Crucial Role of Helmet Therapy
Post-surgically, as the infant’s skull remains malleable, helmet therapy becomes indispensable. “Helmet therapy is not just a supplementary treatment but a fundamental part of post-surgical care in craniosynostosis,” Weiner emphasizes. This therapy involves using a custom-fitted helmet that helps mold the shape of the skull as it heals and grows, ensuring that the head shape is symmetrical and aesthetically normal.
How Helmet Therapy Works
The process begins with a thorough assessment by a certified orthotist specializing in cranial remolding helmets. After surgery, when the surgeon has corrected the suture fusion, the helmet’s role is to maintain and enhance the skull’s proper growth trajectories. “The helmet acts as a mold that guides the cranial bones to grow in the desired direction and helps evenly distribute the growth pressure across the skull,” says Weiner.
Duration and Effectiveness of Helmet Therapy
Helmet therapy typically starts a few weeks post-surgery and can last for several months, depending on the severity of the craniosynostosis and how quickly the child’s skull grows. “Consistency in wearing the helmet is key. It needs to be worn for 22 hours a day to maximize effectiveness,” Weiner points out. The duration of helmet therapy varies; some infants may need to wear the helmet for several months, while others might require it for a year or longer.
The Benefits of Helmet Therapy
The benefits of helmet therapy extend beyond cosmetic improvements. “Proper head shape is crucial not just for the child’s appearance but also for their overall development,” Weiner states. An evenly shaped head can prevent complications with future vision, hearing, and jaw alignment. Moreover, it can significantly boost the child’s self-esteem as they age.
Addressing Parental Concerns
Parents might have concerns about their child’s comfort while wearing the helmet. “It is understandable for parents to worry about whether the helmet might be uncomfortable or bothersome for their infant.
However, these helmets are lightweight, custom-fitted, and designed to ensure the child’s comfort,” assures Weiner. Education and support for parents are crucial parts of the treatment process, helping them understand the importance of consistent therapy adherence.
Helmet therapy is an essential aspect of comprehensive care for infants undergoing surgery for craniosynostosis. Careful monitoring and customization significantly contribute to surgical interventions’ successful cosmetic and functional outcomes.
“By guiding the infant’s skull into growing correctly post-surgery, helmet therapy improves physical appearance and plays a critical role in the child’s overall developmental trajectory,” concludes Weiner.
This integrated approach, combining surgical precision with post-surgical cranial remodeling, underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary team in treating craniosynostosis, ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life.
This article should serve as an informative guide for healthcare providers, parents, and caregivers caring for children with craniosynostosis. It provides insight into the crucial role of helmet therapy in post-surgical care.
The Cranial Center of New Jersey is one of the first and finest cranial centers on the East Coast, specializing in early intervention cranial and helmet therapy. Cranial Center was the first to offer the STARband™ scanner and helmets in New Jersey and the third company in the world with 3-D technology. Owned and operated by Stuart Weiner, CPO, the Cranial Center is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Our facilities are conveniently located across New Jersey: Hackensack, Hazlet, and Morristown. Contact us for a complimentary consultation at 800 685 9116 or at info AT cranial center dot com
