Plagiocephaly & Brachycephaly
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is asymmetrical flattening of a baby’s head. It is usually a result of prolonged period of external pressure on a particular spot of the head and causes the head shape to take on a parallelogram shape. Plagiocephaly has no impact on healthy brain development.
The bones of a baby’s head are thin and allow movement between them so the skull can grow as the baby develops. This means that the shape of a baby’s head can change easily, especially when the baby spends prolonged periods of time with their head in the same position.
Plagiocephaly is often associated with restricted neck movement, and in some instances, a severe restriction can be caused by Torticollis. This is important to address when treating Plagiocephaly.
How can we help?
Our physiotherapists will assess your baby’s head and neck to diagnosis plagiocephaly. Physiotherapy for plagiocephaly includes stretches for tight muscles in your baby’s neck which might be limiting their movement, education regarding repositioning, strengthening exercises and gross motor activities and exercises.
What is Brachycephaly?
Brachycephaly is flattening to the back of a baby’s head. It is usually a result of a prolonged period of external pressure on the back of their head. This can cause baby’s head to become flat at the back, wide and sometimes high. Brachycephaly has no impact on healthy brain development.
The bones of a baby’s head are thin and allow movement between them so the skull can grow as the baby develops. This means that the shape of a baby’s head can change easily, especially when the baby spends prolonged periods of time with their head in the same position.
Brachycephaly is often associated with weak neck muscles and poor tolerance of tummy time.
How can we help?
Our physiotherapists will assess your baby’s head and neck to diagnosis Brachycephaly. Physiotherapy for brachycephaly includes strengthening exercises including tummy time, education regarding repositioning, and gross motor activities and exercises.
FAQ’S
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The sooner the better! We can see babies from a few weeks of age, right up until 12 months, however treatment may be limited by this point.
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Ask parents lots of questions about the mother’s pregnancy, the baby’s birth and their development until now.
Measure the baby’s head circumference
Depending on the abnormality of the head shape, we will use a measuring tool to assess the severity of the baby’s condition
Check the rest of the body for other asymmetries/concerns which may be associated with the head shape abnormality, including the neck, hips, trunk, spine and feet
Provide parents with lots of education and strategies to correct the baby’s head shape
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This depends on the baby’s age at presentation to physiotherapy, how quickly their head grows and how compliant parents are with the recommendations given
On average, we will commence with either weekly or fortnightly sessions, and then progress to monthly as your baby’s condition improves