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Suggest Treatment For Mild Deformity Behind Head Of Infant

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Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2015
Question: Hello there,
My son is 8 and a half month old. He has a mild flat head at the back. I have ordered him moon pillows and other pillows recommended by physcian to help him with his flat head syndrom. do you think it is a must that I use the helmet to put his head shape back to normal. His flat head from the back seems to be somehow disfiguring his overall face structure. His forehead seems bigger. Let me know what would be best thing for him.I have uploaded a photo of his head and his forehead if that is helpful. He does not have any muscle spasm or rotating his head issue. it is strictly the flat head syndrom. no other issue, otherwise very healthy and happy child. Let me know. Many thanks!

hello, there , I have uploaded the pics on my report you can view it there!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I won't get worried if the deformity is mild

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I am sorry but I am not able to find the attached image.I request you to attach it again.
I wont get worried if the deformity is mild and there is no associated symptom like restriction of neck movement.
It is always better to prevent rather than to treat flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly).
You are right by this age it is difficult to manage the condition as the moulding capacity decreases after 4-6 months.
Helmet is an option but it is usually preferred in severe deformity.There are various research studies according to which there is no advantage of using helmets and it is better to leave it as such for the nature to cure it.
I would suggest you to do physical exercises.Put your baby on flat surface in lying diwn position, place your one hand over the chest and then rotate his head to make his chin touching his shoulder.Keep like this for 15-20 seconds and then do on other side.The time duration should be more when touching the opposite side of the affected area.
Although the chances are less but this exercise and frequent changing of posture can help till the closure of sutures (by 12-14 months of age).

I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.
Regards




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (5 hours later)
Hi there,
sory about that- I went ahead and uploaded the pictures. please take a look at them and let me know what you think. I feel it is mostly affecting his back head and his forehead. His head seem large for his body somehow and that is the concern I have. I know this is only cosmotic issue, but I was given a healthy beautiful baby and if there is a way I can fix this flat head syndrom, I will do my outmost to fix it. can you please load me an attachment with picture or video of the exercise you are taking about, I c ouldnt get a clear understanding just by reading it. How about the pillows do you think it might help? Also what kind of theraphy do you recommend? you see I wasnt much aware of the flat head syndrom, until recently and a friend of mine had a son and the deformity of skull, his now age 3 is really bad. Although, he has full hair, I just hate that to happen for my son. Do think I should take him to the pediatrician? let me know if there are theraphy and exercises you suggest. also please upload any pics for demostration. Many thanks! Get back to me as soon as you can?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Details below

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up


I have gone through the images.Your son is really very cute :-)
To me his head does not seem to be disproportionate.All what that I have not noted is flat occiput (back portion of skull).
I suggest you to read a clinical report on prevention and management of positional skull deformities in infants an article by XXXXXXX persing (American academy of pediatrics).You can get this article through google search.I hope,after going through the article you will get an idea about the management.Here you will also get the excercise methods.Continue using pillow as it will help in prevention of further deformity.
I would suggest you to get him to a craniofacial surgeon/plastic surgeon for further evaluation and to assess for the need of skull molding helmet.

All the best.
Wishing for your baby's good health.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2073 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Mild Deformity Behind Head Of Infant

Brief Answer: I won't get worried if the deformity is mild Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query I am sorry but I am not able to find the attached image.I request you to attach it again. I wont get worried if the deformity is mild and there is no associated symptom like restriction of neck movement. It is always better to prevent rather than to treat flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). You are right by this age it is difficult to manage the condition as the moulding capacity decreases after 4-6 months. Helmet is an option but it is usually preferred in severe deformity.There are various research studies according to which there is no advantage of using helmets and it is better to leave it as such for the nature to cure it. I would suggest you to do physical exercises.Put your baby on flat surface in lying diwn position, place your one hand over the chest and then rotate his head to make his chin touching his shoulder.Keep like this for 15-20 seconds and then do on other side.The time duration should be more when touching the opposite side of the affected area. Although the chances are less but this exercise and frequent changing of posture can help till the closure of sutures (by 12-14 months of age). I hope this helps. I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query. Regards