Deformational Plagiocephaly

Deformational plagiocephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head has an uneven or irregular shape. It usually occurs prior to birth as a result of pressure inside the uterus, but it can also happen after birth. The condition is frequently associated with another disorder, torticollis.

Causes

Deformational plagiocephaly can occur in the uterus or develop after birth. Babies that drop into the mother’s pelvis well before delivery, causing the head to rest against a flat surface, may develop deformational plagiocephaly. Unusually large babies, breech babies and multiple birth babies are also at increased risk. Intrauterine pressure from a small or misshapen uterus, or insufficient amounts of amniotic fluid, can be another factor.

After birth, the condition is caused by the baby frequently lying in the same position. The head naturally rests on the slightly-flattened area, potentially worsening the flattening.

Treatment

More than 80 percent of the brain’s growth occurs during the first 13 months of life. If an infant has mild deformational plagiocephaly, it usually corrects itself. If not, infants can begin wearing a craniofacial orthosis (a custom-made brace for the skull) between the ages of four to eight months. After 12 to 13 months of age, the use of an orthosis is not as effective and is less likely to change the shape of the baby’s head.

CranioCap®

At Gillette, we treat deformational plagiocephaly with our custom-made craniofacial orthosis, called a CranioCap®. The CranioCap® gradually reshapes a baby’s skull, rounding the head over a period of three to four months. Our specialists see babies with a CranioCap frequently during this time to check progress and make any necessary adjustments. Click here for CranioCap® FAQs and information on scheduling an appointment.