Positional Skull Deformities

Types of Positional Cranial Deformities

Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): Flattening occurs at the back or side of the head. It typically arises because babies constantly lie on the same side of their head.
Brachycephaly: A condition characterized by flattening of the back of the skull, resulting in a head that is wider and shorter than normal.
Scaphocephaly: The skull develops in a long and narrow shape. This condition is often seen in premature infants and may be caused by early closure of the cranial sutures.

Causes;

Sleeping Positions: Babies lying on their backs continuously can cause flattening in certain areas due to the softness of their skull.
Intrauterine Position: Limited space in the womb, especially in twins or multiple pregnancies, can cause deformities or gaps in the head formation.
Muscle Torsion (Torticollis): Imbalance in the neck muscles can cause the head to be persistently tilted to one side, leading to pressure and flattening in that area.

Treatment and Preventive Methods

Cranial Helmet Therapy: In moderate to severe cases, custom-designed cranial helmets can help shape the head properly. These helmets apply gentle pressure to certain areas of the head to reduce asymmetry.
Position Changes: Regularly changing the baby’s sleeping and sitting positions helps distribute pressure to different areas. Tummy time helps strengthen the head and reduces pressure.
Physiotherapy: If muscle problems such as torticollis are present, physiotherapy can help improve neck muscles and head movement.
Proper Feeding and Carrying: Changing the baby’s position during feeding and carrying helps distribute pressure evenly across the head.