Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, is a cranial deformity consisting of a flattening of the back of the head, usually on the right side and more common in boys than girls, which may be accompanied by a forward displacement of the same side of the head.
A baby can develop plagiocephaly even before birth if pressure is exerted on their skull by the mother's pelvis or the pressure of a twin. Most infants with plagiocephaly have a common cause of CMT (congenital muscular torticollis) or the habit of regularly sleeping on the same side. Plagiocephaly is less serious than it may seem at first glance, but if not treated properly, it can cause serious problems in the baby's future development.
If the causes of plagiocephaly are not properly treated, this cranial deformity can cause facial asymmetry in the first few years of life, and if orthopedic correction of the deformity is not performed before the first 6 months of life, it can persist into adulthood.
Small actions such as carrying the baby in your arms, practicing babywearing, changing the baby's sleeping position, using the right mattress, and placing the baby on their stomach when awake can help alleviate the symptoms of plagiocephaly.
How do I know if my baby has plagiocephaly?
During the first months of life, the skull grows dramatically, causing an imbalance between the size of the body and the head and making it difficult to detect plagiocephaly. In addition, babies begin to grow hair, which hides the indentation in the skull from plain sight.
The best way to monitor the development of plagiocephaly is in the shower, when we wash the baby's head and the hair sticks to the skull. We will look from above and from both sides, as this will allow us to better detect any asymmetry.
There are a number of recognizable signs that may indicate to parents that their baby has plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome:
- The back of the baby's head is flattened on one side.
- There is usually less hair on that part of the head.
- If you look at the baby's head from above, the ear on the flattened side may appear to be further forward than the other.
- The baby always looks in the same direction.
- A bulge on the baby's forehead or crown.
- The baby's head appears longer or narrower than normal.
In the most severe cases, the head may protrude on the opposite side to the flattening and the forehead may be uneven. If the cause is torticollis, the neck, jaw, and face may also be uneven.
Consult a medical specialist.
It is important to note that some babies may have slight asymmetry or a slightly irregular head shape at birth, which may disappear as the baby grows. However, if symptoms persist after the first few months of life, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
If you suspect your baby has plagiocephaly, consult your pediatrician or a specialist. These professionals will be able to perform a complete physical examination and use tools such as head circumference measurement or image scanning to determine if your baby has plagiocephaly and, if so, recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
