What you need to know about Flat Head Syndrome?
There are various types of Flat Head Syndrome (FHS) that can be found during the development days of the baby.
The two common types are:
Plagiocephaly is simple skull deformity. Often, there is flattening at the back of the head on one side, where there is a prominent area on the other side.
Brachycephaly is a type of plagiocephaly. The shape of the skull is shorter than average. This can also cause a high apex of the head
The Common Causes of Flat Head Syndrome
There can be various causes for flat head syndrome in babies, and it is important to understand them to prevent and address the condition. Some common causes include:
Sleeping Position: One of the primary causes is the baby's sleeping position. Babies who spend too much time lying on their backs with their heads in the same position are at a higher risk of developing flat head syndrome.
Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely often have weaker neck muscles and may have a higher risk of developing flat head syndrome because they may have difficulty repositioning their heads on their own.
Multiple Births: Twins or multiples are more likely to have limited space in the womb, which can lead to positioning that increases the risk of developing a flat spot on the head.
Torticollis: Congenital muscular torticollis is a condition where the muscles of the neck are tight or shortened on one side, causing the baby to tilt their head to one side and have difficulty turning it. This can lead to uneven pressure on the skull and contribute to flat head syndrome.
Prevention & Helmet Use
The duration of helmet use varies. It depends on how old the child was when he/she started using the helmet and how quickly he/she is growing. Children younger than 12 months use the helmet for about 3–6 months. Older children usually need longer usage since their skull is growing more slowly, it is stronger and more resistant to change.
Cranial remolding orthosis is best suited for children between 4-10 months. Children younger than 3 months respond well to repositioning. After three months, the baby starts turning and changing positions, positioning therefore loses its meaning. In this period, physician reassesses the shape of the baby’s head to determine whether the baby should use a cranial remolding orthosis.
After the 12th month, the brain and skull are no longer growing as fast as in the first year of life. Treatment with the use of an orthosis may be commenced at 14 months at the latest and finished at 18 months.
