Flat head syndrome in babies is characterized by an abnormal flattening of the baby’s skull, and usually, it is one sided. This condition is a cause for concern among parents make as they fear it may cause permanent deformity. Keep reading this post as we tell you more about the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and prevention of flat head syndrome in newborns.
What Is A Flat Head Syndrome?
Flat head syndrome, also called plagiocephaly, is a condition where one part of the baby’s soft skull flattens, giving an abnormal shape to the head (1). Either the back or the sides of the skull can become flat, and the location determines the type of flat head syndrome that the baby has.
Types Of Flat Head Syndrome
A flat head syndrome can be (2): Any excess pressure on the head of the baby can cause plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. Learn more about the causes next.
What Causes A Flat Head Syndrome In Babies?
The following are the reasons behind a flat head syndrome in babies (3) (4) (5): Babies who spend a lot of time in strollers and bassinets can also be at a higher risk of this condition. A flat head syndrome that arises due to a sleeping position is called positional plagiocephaly. A doctor can differentiate the two conditions.
What Are The Symptoms Of Flat Head Syndrome In Babies?
The following are the most striking features of plagiocephaly: The flat head syndrome does not cause pain or discomfort to the baby.
How Is The Flat Head Syndrome Diagnosed?
Here is how doctors can tell if it is a flat head syndrome:
Treatment Of The Flat Head Syndrome
The treatment of plagiocephaly depends on the extent of the problem. A doctor will use a sequential approach to treat the condition. Treatment methods to cure a flat head syndrome in babies include:
1. Repositional therapy:
The first step is to get the head back in its shape – start by ceasing placement of the head in the same position.
The doctor will suggest how to place the baby’s head to rectify the misshapen skull gradually. This method is called repositional therapy.
You need to observe a series of steps at a set frequency every day to reduce the flatness of the head.
An alternative treatment option is recommended if repositional therapy does not help even after a year.
2. Helmet therapy:
The helmet therapy is the next best treatment option if repositional therapy doesn’t help.
Plagiocephaly helmets are made with a hard shell on the outside and a soft foam padding inside. The helmet is custom-made for your baby’s skull and will cover the top, sides, and the back of the head.
The walls of the helmet exert gentle yet continuous pressure on the affected side, slowly bringing the head back to its normal shape.
The baby will have to wear a helmet for nearly 2-3 hours a day, for three to six months. This method works best if you begin treatment when the baby is 5-6 months old since it is the age when their skull is still very soft.
An alternate version of the helmet is the headband, which is similar to the helmet, but only goes around a part of the head like a headband.
Advantages of this helmet include safety and the lack of any side effects while rectifying the misshapen skull. The major drawback is a lack of adequate scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness in moderate and severe cases of plagiocephaly. Helmets are also expensive since they are custom-made and you can only get them from a certified craniofacial specialist. As the baby’s head changes shape, you will need to get new helmets as and when required until the therapy is complete. Although the helmets are lightweight, some infants may find them irritating.
3. Treatment of the underlying condition:
If your baby has torticollis, then they will have to be treated for that condition before being treated for a flat head.
Torticollis is treatable through surgery and corrective braces. These methods, coupled with proper physiotherapy, will allow the baby to get rid of plagiocephaly slowly.
In the case of premature babies, treatment doesn’t begin until they are old enough to endure the procedures. Talk to your doctor to figure out the best course of treatment of flat head syndrome in premature babies.
When not treated in time, this condition could give rise to certain complications sometimes.
What Are The Complications Of Flat Head Syndrome In Babies?
The condition is usually treated during infancy and toddlerhood and doesn’t carry into the childhood and beyond. An older infant can move their head and does not put pressure on one portion of the skull, eventually rectifying the shape of the head (8). But if the condition persists, the skull could become permanently deformed, which is perhaps the only complication of this condition. You can prevent plagiocephaly by taking a few precautions.
How To Prevent Flat Head Syndrome In Babies?
A few simple precautions can prevent the flat head syndrome. Here is what you should do. Never use pillows, mattress, or head wedge to rectify or prevent flat head syndrome. Pillows and sleep wedges increase the risk of suffocation. Babies can sleep with a pillow only after they are at least 1.5 years old (11).
