Pediatric Positional Plagiocephaly (Flat-Head Syndrome)

Why is my baby's head flat?

​If your infant has a tendency to always turn their head to one side, or their head is flattening out on one side, an experienced pediatric physiotherapist at Active Solution Physiotherapy Verdun will develop a treatment plan specifically for your child.

WHAT IS IT?

Positional Plagiocephaly (or Flat-Head Syndrome) is a term used to describe an asymmetry in the shape of the baby's head due to bone deformation. The baby's skull bones are soft at the time of birth. This allows their head to pass through the birth canal but also makes the bone susceptible to deformation. This is not to be confused with Craniosyntosis, which is also characterized with deformation of the skull, but caused by fusion of the bones of the skull rather than by external molding of the skull bones.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Positional Plagiocephaly is commonly caused by the baby's head staying in the same position for a long time and is often associated with Torticollis. Sometimes, the head may show some asymmetry at birth, which may be due to the positioning of the baby in the womb or in the birth canal or due to the use of forceps or vacuum during the delivery.
 
 

HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?

It is very important for your child to avoid staying in the same position for a long time, to avoid the constant pressure and effects of gravity that can mold the skull bones. An experienced pediatric physiotherapist at Active Solution Physiotherapy will teach you positioning techniques to prevent further progression of your child's plagiocephaly.
 
 

Treatment Options

​​Song, Kit M MD, Staheli, Lynn T MD. (2007). Pediatric Orthopaedic Secrets, 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc.

Campbell, S. Vander Linden, D. Palisano, R. (2006). Physical Therapy for Children, 3rd edition. St. Louis: Elsevier Inc.
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