Flat Head Syndrome: Guest Post

What every parent needs to know about flat head syndrome in babies

Flat head syndrome is a phrase that many parents are unfamiliar with until a diagnosis is made. If your child has a flat spot on their head, you might not know what to expect. Today, however, treatment is relatively straightforward, and long-term effects of the condition can be greatly minimized.

What is Flat Head Syndrome? Flat head syndrome occurs when your child develops a flat spot on part of their skull. You, or another caretaker, may be the first to notice this spot. In some cases, however, your child's pediatrician will notice it first. Children with flat spots should always be evaluated for more serious conditions such as craniosynostosis before treatment begins.

How is Flat Head Syndrome Treated? Flat head syndrome, also known as brachycephaly, plagiocephaly, or scaphocephaly, is treated differently based on severity. In most cases, treatment begins with tummy time and repositioning therapy at home. This helps your little one to strengthen their neck and back muscles, and keeps the pressure off of the existing flat spot, preventing it from getting worse. If your baby doesn't respond to repositioning therapy or tummy time at home, physical therapy may also be required. This type of therapy can cost a few hundred dollars, and may just be a stepping stone to the next level of treatment. In moderate to severe cases of flat head syndrome, helmet and band orthotic devices may be prescribed. These devices help your child's skull to resume normal growth patterns, and may need to be worn for several months. They can cost several thousand dollars, due to the cost of the device itself, the need for maintenance appointments, and the length of treatment.

Is Surgery Ever Necessary? Surgery for flat head syndrome is not recommended. The skull can generally be molded to return to its normal shape without the need for surgical intervention. Surgery would put your child's life in danger, and may cause more harm than it does good. For more information on the treatment of Flat Head Syndrome, please visit www.babyflathead.org.

About the Author:
Sarah is a 40-something mom to a 21 month old boy who had flat head syndrome.   She ended up using a helmet to treat his condition when it was continuing to worsen at 8 months, but her blog advocates trying natural methods such as repositioning and tummy time as a first option.  Unfortunately not all babies respond to repositioning.  She has a full time day job in technology marketing, and this blog is a side project and a real passion of hers.