What Is Flat Head Syndrome? Flat head syndrome usually happens when a baby sleeps with the head turned to the same side during first months of life. This causes a flat spot, either on one side or the back of the head. Flat head syndrome is also called positional plagiocephaly (pu-ZI-shu-nul play-jee-oh-SEF-uh-lee).
Is it normal to have a small flat spot on your head?
Small flat spots and lumps are normal. When your baby has a large flat spot on their skull, it’s most often a result of birth — your baby’s skull may have become unevenly shaped while passing through the birth canal — or because they regularly lay flat on their back.
Can you get a flat spot on your head as an adult?
The condition of flat head syndrome is most often identified in babies, but the topic of flat head syndrome in adults is something less often spoken about. Despite this, the number of enquiries we receive from adults and parents of older children regarding plagiocephaly treatment is always on the rise.
Can a flat head be corrected?
Self-Correction through Repositioning Providing repositioning therapy is started early enough, mild flat head syndrome can usually be corrected before the bones in the skull harden and become less receptive to repositioning.
Can you fix flat head syndrome in adults?
Although it is not possible to undertake major skull reshaping surgery in adults, the situation can often be improved by reshaping the outer layers of the skull (burring) or by inserting implants to improve skull shape. Small irregularities can be treated with fat transfer.
When should I worry about flat head syndrome?
Some children are at heightened risk of flat head syndrome, such as premature babies, those with a challenging birth, or who have torticollis (also known as wry or twisted neck), so you should not feel guilty if your child has a flat head. If concerned at any time, you should seek advice from a health professional.
Does flat head syndrome affect the brain?
Flat head syndrome doesn’t affect a baby’s brain growth. But having a stiff neck can slow early development. Physical therapy for torticollis should include a check of the baby’s progress and extra exercises to treat any delays.
Does flat head cause brain damage?
The good news is that plagiocephaly and flat head syndrome do not affect brain development or cause brain damage. Head size is dependent on the brain size; head shape is dependent on external forces, which can either deform or reform.
When does flat head syndrome go away?
When does flat head syndrome go away? Flat head syndrome is most common between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 months old, and almost always resolve completely by age 2, particularly if parents and caregivers regularly work on varying baby’s positions when he’s awake.
