Cranial Helmets – Prosthetics & Orthotics Company USA

Plagiocephaly and the Need for Cranial Helmets for Babies

Noticing an irregular head shape on your baby can be distressing, and the idea of treating it with a cranial remolding orthosis (CRO), commonly referred to as a helmet or band, can feel overwhelming. We’re here to simplify the process and equip your family with the information needed to make an informed choice about plagiocephaly treatment.

Innovative is a leader in addressing cranial asymmetry, particularly plagiocephaly, often known as “flat head syndrome.” Our certified orthotists adhere to clinical guidelines for the conservative treatment of plagiocephaly, which are recognized as benchmarks in the industry. Early detection and prevention are crucial for effective treatment. If you have concerns about your baby’s head shape, please consult your pediatrician or reach out to Innovative for a complimentary initial exam.

The following factors may increase the risk of cranial asymmetry:

Premature birth
Congenital muscular torticollis
Multiple births
Restrictive intrauterine positioning

Birth trauma
Cervical spine abnormalities
Favoring one side, which may indicate torticollis

Three Common Head Shapes

There are three prevalent asymmetrical head shapes, which are easiest to identify from a top-down view. If your baby’s head shape doesn’t match the descriptions below, consult your orthotist at Innovative Clinic, as subtle variations can exist within these categories.

Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly (play-jee-oh-sef-uh-lee) is typically characterized by flattening on one side of the back of the head, causing one eye or ear to appear higher than the other.

Forehead may protrude slightly on one side
Back of the head is flattened on one side
Sometimes described as a parallelogram shape, as it looks like one side of the head has been pushed forward
Eyes and ears may appear misaligned

Brachycephaly
Brachycephaly (brake-ee-sef-uh-lee) generally presents as flattening across the back of the head with a pronounced forehead, resulting in a taller appearance of the head.

Back of the head appears wider and uniformly flat
Height of the head appears taller than average

Scaphocephaly
Scaphocephaly (skaf-uh-sef-uh-lee) is commonly observed as a long, narrow head shape.

Often seen in premature infants who have spent time in the NICU or consistently rest on either side of their head
Elongated shape from front to back and narrow from side to side

What is Torticollis?

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a condition where a baby’s neck tilts or turns to one side due to strain on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which runs from the clavicle to the back of the ear. When this muscle is tight or weakened, the baby’s head may tilt to one side and/or turn to the opposite side. CMT occurs in approximately 1 in 250 infants.

Torticollis can contribute to or exacerbate plagiocephaly and requires separate physical therapy treatment. If you suspect your child may have CMT, consult your doctor.

What is Craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is the early fusion of one or more sutures—the joints connecting the bony plates of a newborn’s skull. This condition often necessitates surgical intervention before further treatment can be pursued.

Early Detection & Prevention

Early Signs
An early indicator of plagiocephaly may include creases forming on one side of the neck from the head being tilted. Over time, these creases can become red.
To check for asymmetry, examine your baby’s head from above (bird’s eye view) while their hair is wet.

Tummy Time
With busy lifestyles, the Back to Sleep initiative, and car seat usage, babies often spend more time with their heads flat against firm surfaces. This makes tummy time essential.
Tummy time involves any activity where your baby’s head is not resting flat against a surface, promoting head and neck control while relieving pressure.

Repositioning
Repositioning entails consciously changing your child’s head placement to minimize the risk of flat spots. For instance, lay your baby’s head on the left side at bedtime one night and on the right side the next night.