Consequences of Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly is a condition in which there is flattening on one side of the skull. This can occur due to constant pressure on the same area during sleep or rest. Many babies suffer from it, and as a result, many parents wonder what the consequences of plagiocephaly are.
How to tell if my child has plagiocephaly?
Flat head syndrome is often caused by torticollis acquired in the womb, due to a poor in utero position. Babies who suffer from it sleep and rest with their head always on the same side. Some characteristics of these babies include:
- The back and one side of the skull are flattened.
- In this part of the head, the baby has less hair.
- When viewed from above, one ear appears more forward than the other. In the most severe cases, the skull takes on a diamond shape.
If you observe these signs of plagiocephaly in your child, the best thing to do is to take them to the doctor. Only a specialist can diagnose flat head syndrome.
What are the long-term consequences of plagiocephaly?
Cranial deformities in babies, when treated in a timely manner, have no effect on their development. However, if not addressed promptly, the consequences of plagiocephaly can include:
Physical and psychological consequences
Firstly, the issues this causes for self-image. In many cases, psychological problems can arise both in childhood and adolescence. If the deformation is very severe, it can even lead to functional problems.
Neurological and functional consequences
Untreated children may suffer from delayed neurological maturation, which can hinder psychomotor and cognitive development. See the scientific articles by Miller and Claren, Panchal, or Kordestani.
Speech and language problems
Other consequences of plagiocephaly include difficulties in language development. Many children have even required the help of a speech therapist during early childhood—in cases where no treatment was used. See the scientific article by Korpilahti.
Vision and hearing problems
Cases have been found where these children, on certain occasions, have suffered from various problems in the proper functioning of these two senses.
« Plagiocephaly can lead to mechanical complications, in the maxillofacial or cervicobrachial area, or even cognitive ones. »
« These disorders, which are poorly recoverable after the age of two and a half, can lead to a lowered development coefficient in some children. The identified problems are biomechanical, physiological, aesthetic, psychological. These effects are all the more unfair as they are avoidable, yet they can handicap the child for life. »
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Do not underestimate mild plagiocephaly
The incidence of plagiocephaly and cranial deformities is quite common. If a mild plagiocephaly is not treated properly, the severity can worsen and become severe plagiocephaly within a few days. To our knowledge, no scientific study proves that plagiocephaly corrects itself.
A simple search on Google Trends using terms such as "plagiocephaly adult" is enough to see the number of queries Google receives on this topic.
Published studies prove that plagiocephaly can be corrected using helmet therapy up to the age of 2. DOC Band® is the only orthopedic helmet whose effectiveness is proven by scientific studies.
From the age of 2, in some cases, it is possible to correct plagiocephaly through surgical intervention. Do not hesitate to read the testimonials received from parents—this topic is often mentioned.
Treatment: the best option
The best way to avoid the consequences of plagiocephaly is appropriate treatment. First, we must change the position in which the baby sleeps, always keeping in mind that to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it is always best for the baby to sleep on their back.
Take advantage of daytime sleep, when you are aware of the baby, to place them on their stomach. Always under your supervision. At night, when you put the baby to bed, you should change the side on which they rest their head—each time they wake up, change again (from right to left, and vice versa).
Hold your baby more often, avoid placing them in positions where they cannot properly support their head. Use pushchairs, hammocks, and car seats less. And if they fall asleep in one of these, move them to their crib.
If the baby's torticollis is very severe, you may choose to see an osteopath or a physiotherapist. From 4 months old, when there is pronounced flattening of the head, it is best to get an orthopedic helmet for plagiocephaly.
The band maintains the right tension points so that the skull takes the correct shape. Its effectiveness is proven and it should be used for approximately 23 hours a day. Prevention is the best way to avoid the consequences of plagiocephaly.
For more information on treatment therapies, our team's extensive professional experience (over 35 years), or any information on cranial deformities, do not hesitate to contact our centers.
What are the real risks of not treating plagiocephaly?
We have compiled the most recent international scientific studies on the documented medical consequences of untreated cranial deformities—neurodevelopment, language, hearing, and vision.