Abnormal Head Shape Treatment
f you recognize that your baby has a flat spot or an abnormal head shape, the first thing you should do is talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention is crucial in addressing and correcting head shape abnormalities, ensuring optimal growth and development for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that pediatricians evaluate the baby’s head at each visit from the top, both sides, the front, and the back. Regular assessments help identify any abnormalities early on and facilitate timely intervention.
The AAP also recommends that pediatricians discuss repositioning techniques and the importance of “tummy time” with parents. “Tummy time” is essential for your baby’s overall development. When your baby is awake and supervised, placing them on their tummy helps take pressure off the flattened areas of their head, build strong neck and trunk muscles, and aids in learning to roll, sit, and crawl. These developmental milestones are crucial for your baby’s physical and cognitive growth.
If there is a neck muscle imbalance, known as torticollis, or a delay in development, your clinician may refer your baby to a therapist for physical or occupational therapy. Torticollis can contribute to the development of a flat spot on the head, as the baby may prefer to turn their head to one side, causing uneven pressure distribution. Physical or occupational therapy can help address muscle imbalances, improve your baby’s range of motion, and promote symmetrical head growth.
In some cases, your clinician may recommend that a pediatric neurosurgeon assess your baby’s head shape to ensure that the sutures (the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull) are all open and to check for any other skull shape disorders. A neurosurgeon can provide a more specialized evaluation and determine if further diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, is necessary.
These imaging techniques help rule out the possibility of craniosynostosis, a condition characterized by the premature fusion of one or more sutures in the skull. Craniosynostosis is less common than deformational plagiocephaly (a condition where repeated pressure on one part of the head causes it to flatten), but it can lead to significant head shape deformities and may require surgical intervention. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent complications and promote healthy brain development.
If your baby is diagnosed with craniosynostosis, the treatment typically involves surgery to remove the fused suture. This surgery can be performed using an open or endoscopic approach, depending on the severity and location of the fusion. Following surgery, the physician may order a STAR cranial remolding orthosis (helmet) to protect the incision site and achieve additional correction of the head shape or proportion.
On the other hand, if your baby is diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly (a condition where the back of the head becomes flat and the head widens), or scaphocephaly (a condition where the head is long and narrow), and is between the ages of 3 and 18 months, your clinician may prescribe a STARband™ cranial remolding orthosis. The STARband™ is an orthotic device designed to gently correct your baby’s head shape by applying mild, constant pressure to the prominent areas of the skull while allowing growth in the flattened regions.
The process of using a STARband™ cranial remolding orthosis begins with a thorough evaluation by a certified orthotist. The orthotist will take detailed measurements and possibly a 3D scan of your baby’s head to create a custom-fit helmet. The helmet is lightweight, made of plastic and foam, and is designed to be worn 23 hours a day, with one hour off for hygiene and skin checks.
Treatment duration with a cranial remolding orthosis varies depending on the severity of the head shape abnormality and the age of the baby at the start of treatment. On average, treatment lasts between 3 to 6 months. During this time, your baby will have regular follow-up appointments with the orthotist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the helmet.
Parents often have concerns about their baby’s comfort and well-being while wearing the helmet. It is important to note that most babies adapt quickly to wearing the helmet and do not experience significant discomfort. The helmet is designed with ventilation holes to ensure breathability and minimize the risk of skin irritation. Parents are encouraged to use creams and ointments to prevent rubbing and keep the baby’s skin healthy.
In addition to using a cranial remolding orthosis, parents can implement various repositioning techniques to help improve their baby’s head shape. These techniques include alternating the direction the baby’s head faces during sleep, encouraging the baby to turn their head to the non-flattened side during playtime, and providing plenty of supervised tummy time. These strategies can help reduce pressure on the flattened areas and promote more symmetrical head growth.
It is essential to remember that early intervention and consistent follow-up are key to achieving the best possible outcomes for babies with head shape abnormalities. If you notice any signs of an abnormal head shape or flat spot on your baby’s head, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician. With the right combination of medical intervention, cranial remolding orthosis, and repositioning techniques, most babies experience significant improvement in head shape and go on to achieve healthy developmental milestones.
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. The Cranial Center was the first to offer the STARband™ scanner and helmets in New Jersey and the third company in the world. 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@cranialcenter.com.
Early detection and treatment of abnormal head shapes can make a significant difference in your baby’s growth and development. By working closely with your pediatrician and specialists, you can ensure that your baby receives the best possible care and achieves a healthy, well-rounded head