In the vast majority of infant head problems, infants suffer from so-called positional oblique head deformity, also known as skull deformation. In these cases, we first try conservative measures, such as guiding children to lie down for a while when they are awake every day. If the head flattening is still obvious, you can choose a helmet to help adjust. When the baby has a lot of time to turn his head to a specific side, it may happen that the head is flat due to positional oblique head deformity.
Among infants with head problems, a few infants may suffer from premature closure of cranial suture. In this case, children's skulls fuse prematurely, leading to problems in head development. This situation requires surgery to correct the deformity, and a corrective helmet may be used after surgery. Following the pediatrician's advice and letting your baby lie down while awake can help your baby strengthen his neck muscles.
If you have any specific questions about the shape of your baby's head, please consult your pediatrician and check your baby's head regularly. If there is a problem with the appearance, measure the child's head, which usually needs to be referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon for further examination and monitoring.
It may be daunting to hear your pediatrician say that they will transfer your child to a pediatric neurosurgeon, but it is unnecessary. Being recommended to a pediatric neurosurgeon doesn't mean that your baby needs brain surgery. Pediatric neurosurgeons are experts in the diagnosis, treatment and management of head and spine related diseases in infants, children and adolescents.
We can use different tools to evaluate the baby's head, including a special laser scanner, which is safe for eyes and has no radiation. You can see pediatric neurosurgeons and helmet experts in the appointment, and we will work with you to make a treatment plan. When the baby's head is somewhat flat, if it is diagnosed early, the doctor may try to take conservative measures for treatment, including some physical therapy. If these measures fail to correct the head shape, it may be time to consider helmet therapy.
/kloc-A baby from 0 to 4 months old is too young to wear a helmet. If the 4-6 month-old baby still has this problem, parents can consider helmet therapy. The older babies are, the longer and more shaped their skulls are, and the worse the helmet is. Helmet treatment of oblique head deformity is always an option, and it is never mandatory.