What is Positional Plagiocephaly?
Positional plagiocephaly, also known as "flat head syndrome," is a condition where an infant's head develops a flat spot due to continuous pressure on one part of the head. This is often the result of babies spending a lot of time lying on their backs, which is a common recommendation to prevent
SIDS.
What Causes Positional Plagiocephaly?
The primary cause of positional plagiocephaly is prolonged pressure on one part of the skull. This can happen due to various reasons, including long periods spent lying on a flat surface, such as a crib or car seat. Other factors can include
torticollis, a condition in which the neck muscles are tight, making it difficult for the baby to turn their head.
How Common is Positional Plagiocephaly?
Positional plagiocephaly is quite common, affecting nearly 1 in 2 infants to some degree. The incidence has increased with the "Back to Sleep" campaign, which promotes placing babies on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. While the campaign has been successful in reducing SIDS, it has also led to an increase in cases of positional plagiocephaly.
How is Positional Plagiocephaly Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination. A pediatrician will look for asymmetry in the shape of the baby’s head and might ask about the baby’s sleep position and any difficulties in turning their head. In some cases, a
CT scan or
MRI may be necessary to rule out other conditions.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Most cases of positional plagiocephaly can be treated with conservative measures. These include repositioning techniques, such as changing the baby’s head position during sleep and giving the baby more tummy time while awake. In more severe cases, a
cranial orthosis or "helmet" may be recommended to help mold the baby’s skull into a more symmetrical shape.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Advice?
Parents should seek medical advice if they notice any asymmetry in their baby’s head shape or if the baby has difficulty turning their head. Early intervention is key to successful treatment, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as it is noticed.
Can Positional Plagiocephaly Be Prevented?
While it may not always be preventable, there are steps that parents can take to reduce the risk. These include alternating the baby’s head position during sleep, providing supervised tummy time while the baby is awake, and minimizing time spent in car seats, carriers, and other devices that restrict movement.
What is the Prognosis for Babies with Positional Plagiocephaly?
The prognosis is generally very good, especially when the condition is identified and treated early. Most babies will see significant improvement with conservative measures, and the condition usually resolves completely by the time they are toddlers. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more permanent asymmetry and potential related issues.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects?
In most cases, there are no long-term effects if the condition is treated appropriately. However, severe cases that are not treated may lead to lasting asymmetry and potential developmental issues, including challenges with vision and hearing.
