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Suggest Treatment For Flat Head Syndrome In Infant
Question: Hi,
My son is 8 and a half month old. He has a mild flat head syndrom and lately it is disfiguring his overall face. I can upload a picture of his head if that helps. Our family doctor, keep saying his head will ultimately go back to normal, but I dont see any improvement. Recently, I have ordered him moon pillows and other pillows recommmeded by doctors for flat head syndrom. its it a must that maybe he wears the helmet to get it back to normal. He is getting older and my concern is that we might miss the window for head structure to get back to normal, once his skull becomes strong and formed. please let me know what we can do. many thanks!
My son is 8 and a half month old. He has a mild flat head syndrom and lately it is disfiguring his overall face. I can upload a picture of his head if that helps. Our family doctor, keep saying his head will ultimately go back to normal, but I dont see any improvement. Recently, I have ordered him moon pillows and other pillows recommmeded by doctors for flat head syndrom. its it a must that maybe he wears the helmet to get it back to normal. He is getting older and my concern is that we might miss the window for head structure to get back to normal, once his skull becomes strong and formed. please let me know what we can do. many thanks!
Brief Answer:
Craniosynostosis needs to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM
Doctors usually diagnose flat head syndrome simply by looking a child's head. To check for torticollis or neck muscle spasm, the doctor may watch how a baby moves the head and neck. Lab tests, X-rays, and computed tomography (CT scans) usually are not needed.
The doctor may monitor a child over a few visits to see how the shape of the head changes. If repositioning the child's head during sleep helps to improve the skull over time, the problem is likely due to flat head syndrome. If it doesn't, the cause could be due to another condition, such as craniosynostosis.
Craniosynostosis happens when a child's skull bones fuse together before they're supposed to (normally, around age 4 years). This fusion restricts brain growth and causes skull deformities. Children with craniosynostosis need treatment to correct the problem. Neurosurgeons help in the management of such cases.
As a general rule, once an infant can sit independently, a flat spot will not get any worse. Then, over months and years, as the skull grows, even in severe cases the flattening will improve. The head may never be perfectly symmetrical, but for a variety of reasons the asymmetry becomes less apparent as well. For example, in later childhood the face becomes more prominent in relation to the skull, hair thickens, and children are always on the go. Experience and clinical research have shown that by school age, a flattened head is no longer a social or cosmetic problem.
Since you have not uploaded the photograph,so it's difficult for me to tell you that whether your baby has just flat head syndrome or craniosynostosis. But hopefully the above information will help you.
I would be glad to help you with any further questions.
Take care
Craniosynostosis needs to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM
Doctors usually diagnose flat head syndrome simply by looking a child's head. To check for torticollis or neck muscle spasm, the doctor may watch how a baby moves the head and neck. Lab tests, X-rays, and computed tomography (CT scans) usually are not needed.
The doctor may monitor a child over a few visits to see how the shape of the head changes. If repositioning the child's head during sleep helps to improve the skull over time, the problem is likely due to flat head syndrome. If it doesn't, the cause could be due to another condition, such as craniosynostosis.
Craniosynostosis happens when a child's skull bones fuse together before they're supposed to (normally, around age 4 years). This fusion restricts brain growth and causes skull deformities. Children with craniosynostosis need treatment to correct the problem. Neurosurgeons help in the management of such cases.
As a general rule, once an infant can sit independently, a flat spot will not get any worse. Then, over months and years, as the skull grows, even in severe cases the flattening will improve. The head may never be perfectly symmetrical, but for a variety of reasons the asymmetry becomes less apparent as well. For example, in later childhood the face becomes more prominent in relation to the skull, hair thickens, and children are always on the go. Experience and clinical research have shown that by school age, a flattened head is no longer a social or cosmetic problem.
Since you have not uploaded the photograph,so it's difficult for me to tell you that whether your baby has just flat head syndrome or craniosynostosis. But hopefully the above information will help you.
I would be glad to help you with any further questions.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hello There,
thanks for your prompt response. I doubt my son case is Craniosynostosis. He does not have issue moving his head, rotating or any other muscle spasm. Like I mentioned it is just the flat head syndrom. I have uploaded pics on the report attachment of his head and forehead, where I think are the mishapes. Hopefully you can access it - get a better look and diagnose it better. I also asked if the pillows , the moon pillow and other recommended by pediatrician pillow for flat head syndrom would be helpful for him, for his age and at this time? since he is 8 month his skull is getting hard, so to shape it back to normal might be challenging. I read it is usually best to fix it between the age of 4 month and 6 month. like I said we tried to keep his head from flat surfaces, but you can still notice his flat area. please let me know what we can do best. if the babys helmet is our best option let me know as well! many thanks!
thanks for your prompt response. I doubt my son case is Craniosynostosis. He does not have issue moving his head, rotating or any other muscle spasm. Like I mentioned it is just the flat head syndrom. I have uploaded pics on the report attachment of his head and forehead, where I think are the mishapes. Hopefully you can access it - get a better look and diagnose it better. I also asked if the pillows , the moon pillow and other recommended by pediatrician pillow for flat head syndrom would be helpful for him, for his age and at this time? since he is 8 month his skull is getting hard, so to shape it back to normal might be challenging. I read it is usually best to fix it between the age of 4 month and 6 month. like I said we tried to keep his head from flat surfaces, but you can still notice his flat area. please let me know what we can do best. if the babys helmet is our best option let me know as well! many thanks!
Brief Answer:
You may use moon pillow and helmets
Detailed Answer:
Hi
It's most likely a flat head as per your description. Since your pediatrician has already examined him, craniosynostosis or torticollis are less likely. Probably you were unable to load any photographs, so I am still not able to see the kid's head.
The success rates for helmets and moon pillows kind of therapy are high when it's started early (around 6 months). But sometimes they show results even when started by 12 months of age. So if your baby is comfortable, you may start using them.But always keep in mind that some asymmetry is normal. And as your child's hair and face grows, it will likely hide some of the remaining flattening.
Hopefully this will help you to decide.
Take care
You may use moon pillow and helmets
Detailed Answer:
Hi
It's most likely a flat head as per your description. Since your pediatrician has already examined him, craniosynostosis or torticollis are less likely. Probably you were unable to load any photographs, so I am still not able to see the kid's head.
The success rates for helmets and moon pillows kind of therapy are high when it's started early (around 6 months). But sometimes they show results even when started by 12 months of age. So if your baby is comfortable, you may start using them.But always keep in mind that some asymmetry is normal. And as your child's hair and face grows, it will likely hide some of the remaining flattening.
Hopefully this will help you to decide.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Hello there,
I have uploaded the pics on the reports again- please look at them and let me know what you think. that is the most important thing for me. seeing is everything. if you are still unable to see them let me know how to upload it so I may get a clear idea. thanks! let me know as soon as you can!
I have uploaded the pics on the reports again- please look at them and let me know what you think. that is the most important thing for me. seeing is everything. if you are still unable to see them let me know how to upload it so I may get a clear idea. thanks! let me know as soon as you can!
Brief Answer:
Its flat head
Detailed Answer:
I saw the pictures. The shape and hair distribution suggests a flat head as you and your pediatrician suggested. Don't worry as it won't affect his brain development at all and need just the therapy we discussed earlier including repositioning while sleeping, moon pillows and helmets.
Take care
Its flat head
Detailed Answer:
I saw the pictures. The shape and hair distribution suggests a flat head as you and your pediatrician suggested. Don't worry as it won't affect his brain development at all and need just the therapy we discussed earlier including repositioning while sleeping, moon pillows and helmets.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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