Why do babies wear helmets?
Plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome is a condition that is experienced in infancy where a baby develops a flat spot on his or her head. It is the primary reason babies wear a helmet.
The flat spot results in diagonal asymmetry of the skull making it have a slanting or irregular appearance. It appears as a result of sustained pressure to the part of the head that is flat. This is because the skull bones of the infant have not hardened yet, making them susceptible to sustained pressure. The situation can be both genetic and environmental. In most cases, environmental factors play the biggest role in this condition.
Prevalence of Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly can be seen at its peak in populations where the mothers do not carry their kids, where the infant is put mostly on the bed. If they assume one sleeping position for long, then the pressure may have a direct effect on the infant’s skull.
Its prevalence also witnessed a spike when measures were devised to curb sudden infant death syndrome. In this situation, it is recommended that a baby is put to sleep on his or her back. The constant pressure exerted on the back of the head can lead to a change of the skulls profile making it have a flattened profile on the back.
It is more prevalent in babies between the of 7 weeks to 12 weeks where the skull bones are still soft and can bow to pressure. The increase in the use of car seats for long distance travels has also led to an increase in flat head syndrome.
Causes of Plagiocephaly
There are many causes of plagiocephaly. Most of them are related to the mechanical aspect that causes pressure. The causes also originate from genetic factors that may have interfered with bone structure and density or the fetus’ position at birth. Some of these causes can be seen below.
Premature Births
When a baby is born prematurely the gestation period comes to halt. This may cause the bone structure, the skull bones, in this case, to be less dense and hence susceptible to pressure. This pressure when exerted to the soft bone structure may cause the bones to flatten and take the shape of the surface pressed upon.
Multiple Pregnancies
This is another common cause for flat head syndrome. In this case, an expectant mother is carrying either twins or triplets. Due to the insufficiency in space in order to comfortably accommodate all the babies in the womb, some organs are going to be compressed.
The compression is exerted mostly from the other fetus or fetuses and compresses the other fetus’ head onto the pubis of the mother. If this position is assumed for a long period, then the soft bones of the skull are going to bow down to the pressure assuming a flat appearance. Ultra-scans can detect if the fetuses have assumed such a position.
Constantly Sleeping on One Position
If your baby constantly sleeps using one position, then there are high chances of him or her acquiring flat head syndrome. The recommendation of “back to sleep” positions for the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome has contributed greatly to the prevalence of plagiocephaly. Tummy time during waking hours can help keep plagiocephaly at bay.
Genetic Conditions
There are some genetic conditions that may cause your baby’s bones to be soft such as in the case of osteomalacia. The bones being weak, they can easily bend in response to pressure exerted. If the pressure is exerted to this bone, in this case being the skull bones, the bones bend and assume a flattened position in response.
Restrictive Uterine Movement
Restricted movement is another cause for this condition. As the fetus has minimal positions to move around, it may assume one position for a long time. This may lead to compression due to sustained pressure which may lead to flat head syndrome. One cause for the restricted movement in the womb is torticollis.
In this situation, the neck or head assumes an asymmetrical position making it hard for the baby to move. With restricted movement, it takes one stature which leads to the condition due to the exertion of mechanical pressure on the skull.
Trauma
Trauma, mostly at birth or shortly after birth is another cause of plagiocephaly. Here the mechanical force exerted on the bones of the skull is normally so much that it causes it to assume the flat shape. This can be seen where the baby falls headfirst to the ground. Another instance is when the uterus compresses the head of the baby during birth due to limited dilation of the cervix.
This is a rare occurrence more so with the advancements in the medical field that have come up with procedures such as the cesarean section that is performed in case of limited dilation. In case of trauma, it is advisable that you immediately seek medical help in a bid to rule out internal damage.
Treatment Options
If detected it is advisable that you seek immediate attention in order to correct it. There are many options that you can choose to curb this condition. Some of the available treatment options are below.
Use of a Corrective Helmet
Also referred to as helmet therapy, this is one effective way of dealing with plagiocephaly. The helmet acts like a compression kit and balances the pressure around the head in a bid to achieve a regular profile. It is normally prescribed to be worn for a certain number of days until the head acquires a desired profile.
The downside to using this helmet is the hefty price tag that comes with it and it may prove to be prohibitive to many. In the same vein are headbands and head molds which strive to bring the head to a desired regular shape.
Carry the Baby
It makes the baby more comfortable and gives you ample bonding time. In addition, it also helps in keeping the flat head syndrome at bay. This is because the baby does not take one position long enough for mechanical forces to take charge of pressure.
Constantly Change Your Baby’s Sleeping Position
It is also advisable that you constantly change your baby’s position to shift the pressure exertion point and make it uniform. This is both a corrective and preventive measure and is one effective way of dealing with this situation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is also a great treatment option. It, however, is recommended for infants over 7 weeks in age. In physiotherapy, a physiotherapy pillow is used in most instances or interchangeably with a corrective helmet.
Sparing Use of the Car Seat
The car seat should also be used sparingly especially in situations where long-distance travel is involved. The car seat being restrictive in movement especially of the head can cause the baby’s head to get the flattened profile due to long periods of pressure exertion.
While these are some of the treatment options that you may choose, the best course of action is prevention. Preventive measures reduce the instances of plagiocephaly from occurring. Repositioning is an effective way of tackling this condition owing to its ease and simplicity and it can act as a preventive or rehabilitative measure while at it.
The timeframe for treatment is from 7 weeks of age up to 18 months before the skull bones start taking shape and harden. From 7 weeks the baby is less fragile for some procedures such as helmet therapy and physiotherapy.
Effects If Left Untreated
If left untreated it may lead to some issues apart from cosmetic anomalies. Depending on the severity, untreated plagiocephaly may cause:
- Development delays
- Seizures
- Psychological issues due to the appearance of the head
Slanting of the head due to side plagiocephaly may also cause neck muscle strain. Plagiocephaly is a condition that mostly affects infants and it is due to mechanical pressure exerted on the cranial bones.
Plagiocephaly has many treatment options, but it is advisable for you to exercise preventive measures as they are more effective, such as monitoring your baby’s sleeping position. Constantly change your baby’s lying position to spread the pressure exertion points and redirect it from one point on his or her head.
