10 Flat Head Syndrome Facts!!

Its been awhile since I updated anything Plagiocephaly related - so here's some interesting Flat Head Syndrome Facts for you!!

1.   Babies develop Flat Heads because there skulls are soft and pliable!

2.   There are 3 types of Flat Head syndrome, depending on the shape/position of flatness:

• Plagiocephaly - left or right side flattening
• Brachycephaly - back Flattening
• Scaphocephaly - long Narrow Head

(L-R: Brachycephaly, Plagiocephaly and Scaphocephaly)

(Finnys Plagiocepahly at 4.5 Months characterises by the flattening to the back right side and the blossoming to the front right side)

3.   47% of babies now develop the condition to some degree - That's almost 1 in 2!

4.   Your baby is more likely to develop Flat Head Syndrome if:

• its your first baby
• your baby is a boy
• your baby was breech
• you baby is a twin (or multiple)
• your was premature
• your baby has reflux
• your baby has Hip Dyslapsia

 

5. You can decrease the risk of your baby developing Flat head syndrome with simple techniques such as:

• baby wearing - slings rather than pushchairs
• limit the amount of time in baby rockers
• plenty of tummy time 

 

6.   Flat Head Syndrome in babies younger than 5 months can be treatable with repositioning techniques!!

      If you notice your baby is developing a flatness, keep the pressure of the spot for as long as   possible during the day, lots of tummy time, reduce time in bouncer and carry your baby in a sling while you do your day to day activities (they will love this!!) It can be reversed at this age in many cases!!

7.   Cranial Osteopathy can really help reduce flatness in babies under 5 months!

8.   Cranial Remoulding Helmets help treat babies from 5 - 14 months of age!

After 5 months of age a babies skull begins to harden, and repositioning is less responsive, Between 5 and 14 months the skull has enough growth and softness to have significant improvement with helmet treatment, after 14 months the babies skull has had its major growth and has hardened significantly that even cranial helmets will not improve the condition.

(Finny shortly after having his helmet fitted at 5 months)

9.   The NHS does not fund Cranial Helmet Therapy as they deem the condition to be cosmetic only,   however, there are numerous reports associating Flat head syndrome with a number of issues:

• A high risk for learning delays and developmental delay
• Increased need for special services when the child reaches school age
• Orthodontic and TMJ issues
• Scoliosis
• Visual disturbances including visual field defects, and astigmatism
• auditory problems and infections
• Psychological/social issues

10.   Treatment is available Privately at a cost of about £2000 at clinics such as: 

• Technology in Motion 
• Doc band
• Steeper clinic

The Charity Headstart4babies.org can offer financial assistance to some families.