What to do? My baby has flat spot on his head

Babies are frequently born with misshapen heads but this eventually evens out as they grow. However, consult your pediatrician if abnormal head shapes persist beyond 6 weeks of age.

Early detection of flattened head

The most important reason for this visit is to distinguish craniosynostosis from positional plagiocephaly. Craniosynostosis is a condition in which one or more of the sutures that separate the bones of the skull join together too early. It may lead to intracranial hypertension and developmental delay. It usually needs surgery to be fixed.

Positional plagiocephaly can be diagnosed through clinical examination.

If there is any concern your child may be referred to another doctor who specializes in problems of the skull and brain (pediatric specialist with expertise in craniofacial disorders and neurodevelopment).

If torticollis co-exist with positional plagiocephaly then early treatment by a pediatric physiotherapist is necessary.

The treatment regimens for deformational plagiocephaly are either repositioning/physical therapy or cranial orthoses. These treatment options require significant parents or caregiver involvement. Their participation in the treatment regimen can greatly influence the outcome of the treatments.

Craniosysnostosis
  
Torticollis
  
Nonsynostotic
plagiocephaly or
positional plagiocephaly
  • Referred to pediatric neurosurgeon, pediatric plastic surgeons or a pediatric craniaofacial team clinic
  • Clinical examination
  • Imaging scans
  • Cranial expansion surgery
  
  • Pediatric physical therapist
  • Neck stretching excercises
  
  • Counterpositioning/mimos pillow
  • Physical therapy
  • Moulding headband therapy