Postural plagiocephaly is a common pathology, which usually appears in the first three months of a baby's life. In most cases it is not serious and can be avoided by following certain guidelines and correcting the child's posture while sleeping.
What is postural plagiocephaly?
It is known as postural plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome to the deformity, flattening or asymmetry of an area of the head that some babies experience. It is a pathology that is not serious and, in most cases, the treatment is applied for aesthetic reasons.
Causes of postural plagiocephaly
The main cause of postural plagiocephaly is due to position that the baby acquires when sleeping, tending to always rest the head on the same side. This posture may be caused by a postural torticollis due to muscle retraction, which prevents the baby from supporting the other side of the head.
In some cases, the deformity occurs before birth, due to pressure from the mother's pelvis on the skull. Or, at the time of birth, in those deliveries in which it is necessary to use suction cups or forceps.
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Talk to a specialistIn other cases, this deformity appears as a consequence of a restrictive uterine environment, that is, in those cases in which the baby has less space than it needs in the mother's womb.
This pathology is common in premature children, since the bones of the skull are weaker and, therefore, more malleable. Additionally, these babies often spend prolonged periods in the same position when in the intensive care unit.
Symptoms of postural plagiocephaly
The main symptom that babies with postural plagiocephaly present is a flattening at the back of the head. In addition, it is common for them to have less hair in that area of the head.
In cases in which the pathology is caused by torticollis, the baby may have an unevenness in the neck or jaw. On the other hand, in the more serious cases of plagiocephaly, the forehead may present irregularities.
Diagnosis of postural plagiocephaly
Usually, the diagnosis of postural plagiocephaly, is carried out with a physical examination of the baby's head. However, in cases where there is suspicion that it may affect the development of the head, it will be necessary to perform a cranial CT scan of the baby.
How to correct plagiocephaly?
Once the pediatrician has carried out the patient's diagnosis, the first treatment for plagiocephaly It usually consists of postural measures, with which the baby usually experiences improvement in two or three months.
Postural measures to treat plagiocephaly in babies
First of all, it is recommended changing the child's lateral posture while sleeping, and place him on the side that is not affected by plagiocephaly. On the other hand, it is recommended, always under supervision, to position the baby face down for thirty to sixty minutes a day. In addition, the position of the crib should be alternated so that the baby rotates his head to both sides when interacting with him. Also, exercises will be performed to prevent the baby's torticollis.
One of the most common treatments is the placement of a cranial orthosis, which helps shape the skull, in the period between four and twelve months.
In the most serious cases, in which the baby has a severe deformity or excessive deformation and previous treatments have had no effect, it will be necessary to apply surgical treatment. There will be a Craniosynostosis to correct the deformity.
Prevention of postural plagiocephaly
In most cases, the Postural plagiocephaly can be avoided by following certain guidelines. First of all, it is advisable to change the baby's position, with the aim of preventing him from always being placed on the same side.
On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid long periods in chairs, high chairs or rigid structures that may affect the baby's skull.
As explained, conservative treatments are usually effective and have good results in the baby's cranial deformation. By following certain guidelines you can prevent its appearance.
