Common Types of Head Shapes
Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly is flattening of one side of their head. It is extremely common and affects nearly half of all babies. 20% of babies with this condition need treatment with a helmet.
Plagiocephaly is caused by the baby consistently lying on their back with their head to one side.
This type of flattening may be caused by sleeping with their head on one side in conjunction with torticollis. Torticollis needs to be treated by physical therapy and a helmet.
Brachycephaly
Brachycephaly is a flattening across the entire back of the head. It is noticeable as decreased length to width ratio of the head.
The babies head will appear noticeably shorter and wider. The wide appearance of the head will be seen when looking at his face.
They will also have increased height to his head and the face will appear smaller in relation to the head size.
Craniosynostosis
The head is made up of several plates and is soft when the baby is born. Over time, these bone sutures that connect the bones will close.
Craniosynostosis is a premature fusing of these bones in a newborn’s head.
Premature closing of these sutures will require surgery for correction. A helmet will then be used to protect the baby’s head post surgery.
How We Evaluate Head Shape
We can do a virtual consult to take a quick look at your baby’s head and let you know if they are a candidate for treatment.
If we feel they may need a helmet, we will then schedule to have your baby scanned and evaluated in person. A report will be made that illustrates your baby's head shape and measurements of their head. The scan and measurements will be reviewed with you to help make the important decision to move forward with a helmet.