Understanding Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome): Initial Baby Assessment Steps
Plagiocephaly is the condition where a baby develops a flat head, usually on one side, at the back.
We previously discussed the cosmetic and neurological effects of plagiocephaly and also the appearance of head shape in plagiocephaly.
In this blog we discuss the process at the first visit when you come to see us with your baby for plagiocephaly.
There are two types – the common positional type, caused by head preference or torticollis, and the rare synostosis type cause by fusion of the growth plates at the back of the head.
It is important that this condition is assessed thoroughly, and that correct management occurs, for best outcomes for your baby.
When you come to see us with your baby our team will have welcome you and settle into a room. Your Chiropractor will come in and perform a full infant history, including head preference, head shape, and any developmental concerns.
The reported incidence of plagiocephaly varies anywhere from 13% to 46% of infants in the first 3 months.
Many infants will simply have a “preference” to be on one side, whilst others will have a more fixed and resistant posture called torticollis (literally “twisted neck)”
Torticollis is not a diagnosis in itself, and has many causes, and our Chiropractors will ask specific questions to help establish a cause for the torticollis.
Once the history is complete, a full infant examination will be performed.
- The initial goal of the examination is to establish the cause of the head preference.
Limited neck rotation is a risk factor for plagiocephaly, so neck range of motion is routinely checked. Joint function of the whole spine is assessed, as is muscle tone, especially the main muscle related to neck rotation.
- The second step if to rule out the uncommon condition where sutures have fused. This requires knowledge of how to detect this.
- Thirdly, an assessment of muscle tone and primitive reflexes is made.
- Finally, the amount of head shape flattening is measured, using various assessment protocols.
Our management and advice is based on a thorough history and examination aimed at identifying the cause of the problem.
