WHAT IS PLAGIOCEPHALY?

 

Plagiocephaly, often mentioned to as flat head condition, is a disorder characterized by an abnormal head shape in infants. The word "plagiocephaly" is derived from the Greek words "plagio," meaning oblique, and "cephaly," meaning head. This condition is relatively common and typically arises during infancy when a baby's skull is still soft and malleable.

The primary cause of plagiocephaly is prolonged and repeated pressure on one part of the baby's skull. This pressure can result from various factors, including spending too much time in a single position, such as lying on their back for extended periods. The "Back to Sleep" campaign, which encourages placing babies on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), has contributed to the prevalence of plagiocephaly.

Positional Plagiocephaly:

Positional plagiocephaly is the more common type and occurs due to external factors influencing the shape of the baby's head. This often happens when infants consistently rest their heads in the same position, leading to a flattening of one side. Modern recommendations for safe sleep practices, such as placing babies on their backs, have inadvertently increased the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly.

The good news is that positional plagiocephaly is usually benign and does not affect brain development. Simple measures, such as repositioning the baby during sleep, providing supervised tummy time when awake, and incorporating varied head movements, can often help improve or prevent the condition.

Craniosynostosis:

Craniosynostosis is a less common but more serious condition involving the premature fusion of one or more of the sutures (fibrous joints) in an infant's skull. This fusion restricts normal skull growth and can lead to an abnormally shaped head. Unlike positional plagiocephaly, craniosynostosis requires medical attention, often involving surgical intervention to correct the fused sutures and allow for proper skull development.

Distinguishing between positional plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis is crucial for appropriate management. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most suitable course of action.

Repositioning and Tummy Time:

To prevent or improve positional plagiocephaly, parents can implement simple measures, such as regularly changing the baby's sleeping position, encouraging tummy time during awake hours, and varying the direction in which the baby's head is turned during sleep. These practices help distribute pressure more evenly across the skull, reducing the risk of developing a flattened head.

Helmet Therapy:

In more severe cases of positional plagiocephaly, helmet therapy may be recommended. Orthotic helmets are custom-made devices that gently reshape the baby's head by applying consistent pressure to specific areas. Helmet therapy is typically most effective when initiated early in the baby's life.

Surgical Intervention for Craniosynostosis:

If craniosynostosis is diagnosed, surgical intervention is often necessary to release the fused sutures and allow for normal skull growth. The timing of surgery depends on various factors, including the severity of the condition and the potential impact on brain development.

In conclusion, plagiocephaly is a common condition in infants, with positional plagiocephaly being more prevalent and generally benign. Prevention and early intervention are crucial for managing abnormal head shapes in infants, and parents are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals if they have concerns about their baby's head shape. With proper guidance and care, most cases of plagiocephaly can be addressed effectively, allowing for healthy skull development and a normal head shape as the child grows.