What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is the umbrella term for a flat head condition that can appear in babies and is commonly referred to as Flat Head Syndrome. The deformity may be present at birth or can become apparent during the first few months of an infant’s life. Babies can be at risk of a flat head due to their skull remaining soft and pliable in the earliest stages of their life.
What causes Plagiocephaly?
What causes Plagiocephaly?
Sometimes deformities can occur before a baby is even born because of restricted space in the womb. Deformities can also occur during birth, as the baby travels through the birth canal causing a temporary cranial deformity which usually improves naturally without any need for treatment. The exception occurs when the infant has a head position preference or is consistently positioned in a way that exerts pressure on one particular area of the head.
The most important approach to addressing infants showing signs of plagiocephaly is early detection and treatment/advice. It is possible to achieve full resolution if problems are identified within the first 4 – 6 weeks of a baby’s life. The longer it takes to detect the plagiocephaly, the more difficult it is to achieve optimum results.
How can Osteopathy help?
How can Osteopathy help?
At the osteopathy clinic Julie routinely measures all baby’s heads for asymmetry which allows early detection of even the mildest presentations. Osteopaths use their hands to identify subtle signs of restricted movement patterns that may be contributing to a baby having a preferred head position. Osteopaths also have the skills to gently release restrictive movement patterns within the musculoskeletal system of the baby which allows them to be positioned more comfortably. The osteopath will also provide the parents with exercises, information and positioning advice specific to their baby.
Measurement Detection and Monitoring
Measurement – Detection and Monitoring
Accurate measurements are taken of the baby’s head using a photographic application (skullycare.com) from which the Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI) and Cranial Index (CI) can be calculated. These measurements can provide the practitioner with a highly sensitive method for detection of early signs of plagiocephaly and the parents with a user-friendly means of monitoring the progress of their baby’s head shape.
Why do so many babies have Plagiocephaly?
Why do so many babies have Plagiocephaly?
There has been an increase in the reported number of children with flat head syndrome over the last 2 decades. This is generally attributed to the Back to Sleep campaign, which has had a dramatic impact in preventing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) but which, without adequate care, can leave babies with permanent head shape deformities.
For further information
For further information
If you have any concerns about your baby’s head shape, or if your baby is showing signs of having a preferred head position when sleeping or feeding, please inform your primary healthcare practitioner or contact the clinic for an assessment.