Treatment of Plagiocephaly

It is important to begin treatment quickly. 85% of the growth of the brain occurs in the first year of life. As the brain grows, the skull increases in size. During the first three months the head grows about 2cm in circumference each month. Between four and six months it continues to grow about 1cm a month. After six months of age growth decreases to .5cm a month. The younger the child, the softer and more moldable the skull. Ideally four to seven months is the best time for treatment. Between seven and twelve months results can still be obtained but require more prolonged treatment. After twelve months of age the Fontanel begins to close, the skull grows at a slower rate and becomes thicker. Treatment after twelve months of age frequently requires more than six months of helmet treatment and may not result in a completely normal head.

Treatment Options

There are several options availible for treating Plagiocephaly, but a qualified medical professional is required to make the determination which option, or combination of options, is best suited for each individual case. These include:

Prevention is the ideal treatment for this ever increasing problem of positional treatment. Once the deformity occurs, early positioning can often prevent the need for additional therapy. If needed, helmet therapy has been shown to be very effective when used appropriately.