What is Plagiocephaly?

Less common is scaphocephaly (also known as dolichocephaly) where the head is disproportionately long and narrow. Scaphocephaly can occur from the premature fusion of the sigittal suture or from external deformation, and it is more common among infants born prematurely.

Every baby‘s head starts out too heavy for it to move well. Ever hear the saying, “He‘s all Head?” Well, to some degree, a baby‘s head is like a water balloon. Think about what happens when you place a water balloon on a hard surface, and then leave it in that same position for a long time. What if you added to the balloon?

A baby‘s head is moldable and time is a vital factor. When a baby is situated in such a way that his or her head is in contact with a hard surface for a lengthy amount of time, it will likely have a flattening effect. In this type of case, plagiocephaly is caused by external devices such beds, car seats and carriers. Other causes of plagiocephaly include:

• Preferential, supine sleep positioning as a cause of Plagiocephaly: Baby consistently sleeps on back with face up as opposed to the prone position, which is face down. This is a direct result of the Back to Sleep Campaign that launched in 1992. The campaign promotes the benefits of situating your child on his or her back to sleep in efforts to minimize the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In fact, the Back to Sleep Campaign has shown a tremendous amount of success and has decreased the SIDS rate in America by more than 50% (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics). Unfortunately, the primary side-affect of the Back to Sleep Campaign is plagiocephaly; with an incidence estimated at 1 in 25. plagiocephaly, flat head infants, faqs
• In-utero constriction- another cause of plagiocephaly: Pressure on the baby‘s head while in the womb which alters the infant‘s head shape. This is very common (especially in multiple births) and often corrects itself within 6 weeks after birth. However, some infant‘s head asymmetry persists. In this case, parents should be attentive to the possibility of plagiocephaly. plagiocephaly, flat head infants, faqs
• Torticollis or Hypotonia: Torticollis – a condition in which the neck is twisted and the head inclined to one side, caused by spasmodic contraction of muscles of the neck
• Hypotonia – a condition in which there is diminished or loss of muscular tone, resulting in the stretching of the muscles beyond their normal limits.

Children with torticollis or hypotonia have a higher incidence of plagiocephaly.

• Craniosynostosis: Premature fusion of the skull‘s sutures, causing and abnormal head shape through growth in one direction and abnormal growth at the suture closure.

In each of these cases (except for craniosynostosis) the expanding cranium begins to flatten on the contacted side due to gravity/counter pressure.

Being that the head is most moldable in the first 10 months, it is also the most susceptible to treatment during that time. Varying degrees of correction can occur until approx. 2 years of age. However, by the age of 18 months, the cranial shape of most children is essentially locked for life.

Secondary Effects Following the Initial Depression:

• Ear migration
• Forehead distortion and nasal deviation
• Cheek distortion
• Upper cranial vault asymmetry

If untreated, these symptoms are likely to become more severe. However, if managed early, each can be effectively treated and corrected with the KidCap.