In addition to aesthetic deformity, plagiocephaly can also have consequences for the baby's health and development. Depending on the severity of the skull deformity, there may be a risk of hearing problems, visual problems, bite problems, and motor development problems. It has also been observed that children with plagiocephaly may have delayed cognitive and language development.
It is important to note that untreated plagiocephaly can also affect long-term quality of life. For example, in adulthood there may be a higher incidence of headaches, neck and back pain, and posture problems.
Therefore, if you think your baby may be suffering from plagiocephaly, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible, especially during the first 6 months of life, to minimize long-term consequences.
Torticollis
Sometimes, plagiocephaly can be associated with a condition called congenital torticollis, which is a shortening or contracture of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the baby's neck. This can cause the baby to keep their head tilted to one side and limit the range of motion of the neck. Congenital torticollis can be an underlying cause of plagiocephaly, as the baby tends to keep their head in the same position due to limited neck movement.
Delayed motor development
Flattening of the head can influence the alignment of the neck and spine, which in turn can affect the baby's muscle tone and motor coordination.
If plagiocephaly is related to congenital torticollis, it can affect the baby's motor development, such as lack of head control, inability to sit without support, and delayed crawling and walking. They may also develop asymmetries in posture and movement, which can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Vision problems
In some cases, plagiocephaly can put pressure on the baby's ears and eyes, which can cause hearing and vision problems.
In terms of visual problems, plagiocephaly can cause asymmetry in the shape of the head, so that one or both of the baby's eyes appear to be in different positions. This can affect the way the brain processes visual signals and potentially cause problems with visual coordination, object tracking, focus, or astigmatism.
Otitis media
In terms of hearing problems, plagiocephaly can cause the affected ear to be covered or compressed, affecting the baby's ability to hear and process sounds correctly.
Although plagiocephaly does not directly cause otitis, it can contribute to its development. The head deformity can affect the position of the Eustachian tube and make it difficult for fluid to drain properly from the middle ear. This can increase the risk of ear infection. In addition, if a baby has a severe skull deformity that affects the external ear canal, there may be a higher chance of ear infections due to difficulty draining fluid from the ear.
Dental malocclusion
Plagiocephaly may be associated with dental malocclusion, but it is not a direct cause of this condition. Malocclusion refers to a misalignment of the teeth and jaws, which can affect bite and dental appearance.
In some cases, plagiocephaly can cause asymmetry in the baby's skull and face, which will affect the way the upper and lower teeth align with each other. This can lead to an uneven bite or an overbite.
Social or language issues
If plagiocephaly is associated with other conditions, such as congenital torticollis or otitis media, these conditions can affect the child's speech and language development. For example, congenital torticollis can affect the child's neck mobility, and with it their ability to see and hear others and participate in social interactions.
It is important to note that any condition that affects a child's physical or emotional well-being can also have an indirect impact on their social skills.
In more severe cases, plagiocephaly can affect brain growth and development and increase the risk of long-term health problems.
