Flat Head Syndrome - What is it?

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Flat Head Syndrome - What is it?
December 14, 2012, 450 pm The Term Flat Head
Syndrome is another term for Plagiocephaly.
Plagiocephaly is a blanket word for covering
three different types of flattening on a childs
head.
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The three different types are Plagiocephaly.
(Play-gee-o-kef-a-lee) Brachycephaly.
(Bray-key-kef-a-lee) Scaphycephaly.
(Scay-fee-kef-a-lee) All three terms describe
the flattening on different areas of a childs
head. Brachycephaly and Plagiocephaly are the
most common, however, it is not uncommon for a
child to have both Plagiocephaly and
Brachycephaly together. Plagiocephaly Plagioceph
aly describes the flattening on one side on the
childs head. This type of flattening is commonly
associated with a parallelogram shaped head, a
shift forward of the ear and a more prominent
forehead on the same side as the flattening and
possibly the eyes appearing to have unequal
positioning. Brachycephaly Brachycephaly
describes a flattening across the back of a
childs head. This type of flattening is commonly
associated with a loss of definition of the neck
line, a wide head shape, prominent bony lumps
above the ears, a bossed / protruding forehead
and possibly an excessively high height of
head. Scaphycephaly Scaphycephaly is the rarest
of the three. It describes a flattening on both
sides of a childs head, giving the overall
impression of a long narrow head shape and is
associated with an overly exaggerated neck
line. The flattening occurs due to an external
force exerted onto the childs head for a
prolonged period of time. Due to the soft,
malleable, mobile characteristics a childs skull
has, the external force, when left in contact for
a length of time can cause a flattening in the
corresponding area. Statistics show that in 1992
the incidence of Plagiocephaly was approximately
1 in 300, compared with 1999 where the incidence
had increased to approximately 1 in 60 children.
Therefore in the United Kingdom in 2009, there
were 706,248 babies born, of which in line with
the statistics, 11,770 babies born in 2009 had a
form of deformational plagiocephaly. Early
detection and diagnosis plays a vital role in the
management and treatment of Plagiocephaly. It is
crucial to understand and recognise the factors
influencing the flattening so to be able to
reduce them to slow down and hopefully halt the
progression of Plagiocephaly.
If your child is less than four months old,
Vitality in Motion recommends a free assessment
with our specialist in order to measure and
record the head
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shape at present. Our highly trained Clinicians
will discuss and advise all repositioning
techniques including an increase in tummy time.
As specific measurements would have been taken,
further assessments are recommended monthly to
record your childs growth and degree of
Plagiocephaly over time, so any increase or
decrease can be objectively recorded, and if
needed further treatment can commence at the
earliest and most effective time. If an
improvement hasnt been observed by the time the
child is 5 months old. Vitality in Motion
recommends the parents or guardians to consider
STARband treatment. If your child is 4 months
old or older, Vitality in Motion recommends a
free consultation to observe and measure the
degree of Plagiocephaly and advise on the best
course of treatment for your child from these
results. If your child has been diagnosed with
Torticollis (tightening of the neck muscles,
limiting movement) Vitality in Motion recommends
that you follow your Physiotherapists
instructions with regards to passive and active
exercises to lengthen the affected muscle and
improve the range of movement in the neck, again
to limit the progression of the Plagiocephaly.
(If you have not had an appointment with your
Physiotherapist, please contact Vitality in
Motion who will be able to advise you
further). You can find more information
regarding Flat Head Syndrome, Plagiocephaly,
Brachycephaly, respositioning techniques and
STARband treatment from the VItality In Motion
FAQ's page or by phoning on 029 2022 5689 or
visit http//www.vitalityinmotion.co.uk Vitality
in Motion is a professional, friendly,
understanding clinic situated within the Cardiff
City Centre, South Wales and offers a free
consultation with a Clinical Specialist who has
wide range of skills and experience within this
field.
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