Common Types of Head Shapes

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Plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly is flattening of one side of their head. It is extremely common and affects nearly half of all babies. 20% of all babies have plagiocephaly with a severity that warrants treatment.

This type of flattening may be caused by torticollis. Torticollis needs to be treated in conjunction with a helmet.

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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.

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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.