About this topic
Positional plagiocephaly is a condition that causes your baby to have a flat spot on the back of the head. Babys skulls are very soft when they are born. As your baby grows, the skull changes shape and hardens. If your baby spends too much time with the head in the same position, they can develop a flat spot. ‚
One way this is treated is with helmet therapy. The special helmet helps your child not to put as much pressure on the flat area of the skull. Then, your baby's skull can grow into the space that is provided. Sometimes, a special headband is used in place of a full helmet, but it works the same way. ‚
General
Your babys doctor will send you to an expert called an orthotist to make your child's helmet. The helmet is made of plastic and foam. It has a hard shell on the outside and soft cushioning on the inside. ‚
At first, your baby will wear the helmet for a few hours and then take it off for a few hours. This will help your baby get used to wearing it. It will also let you make sure the helmet fits well and does not rub on your child 's head. After a few days, your baby will wear the helmet for 23 hours each day. Most often, your baby will need to wear a helmet for 3 to 6 months. This is based on when your child starts treatment and the shape of your child 's head. This treatment works best when a baby is between 3 and 7 months old. ‚
What will the results be?
Your babys head will grow into a more normal shape. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your baby will be able to do normal activities while wearing the helmet. Be sure to give your child tummy time while wearing the helmet. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
- You will go see the orthotist a few times while your child is wearing the helmet to make sure it is fitting the right way.
- You will also need to take special care of the helmet. Most often, you will clean the inside of the helmet with soap or baby shampoo and a soft toothbrush when your baby is not wearing it. Rinse it well and towel dry. You may also wipe down the inside with a wet cloth or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to also wash your baby 's hair each day.
- When it is time for your baby to stop wearing the helmet, you will slowly decrease the amount of time each day over a few weeks.
What problems could happen?
- Skin breakdown
- Skull stays slightly flat
- Allergy to material in the helmet
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Redness that lasts longer than 20 minutes when your baby 's helmet is off
- Blisters or sores on your babys scalp
- Helmet does not seem to fit the right way
- Rash on your child's scalp
- You have problems getting your child's helmet on or off
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Neurological Surgeons ‚
http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Positional%20Plagiocephaly.aspx ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/sleep/positional_plagiocephaly.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-11 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Neuromuscular and Skeletal
- Pediatric
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚