Plagiocephaly

kmonroe2

My 8 month old has been diagnosed with tortcollis & mild plagiocephaly. We were referred to a cranio facial specialist for a consult. She said a helmet is not medically necessary but is something we should consider if the shape of his head is something that bothers us. Just wondering if anyone has any experience and/or words of advice.

Hummingbirdbaby3

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. I believe we have someone on our board that has a LO wearing one of these helmets. Hopefully she sees this. 

katigox

I'm sorry about the diagnosis'.  I don't have any advice, but was curious what you and your family are learning towards ~ using a helmet or not? 

LuckyMissus

I'm so sorry!! I know there are lots of people on TB who've dealt with this, maybe try posting on one of the "bigger" boards if no one here has any advice. 

katigox

LuckyMissus said:

I'm so sorry!! I know there are lots of people on TB who've dealt with this, maybe try posting on one of the "bigger" boards if no one here has any advice. 

That's a great idea   Maybe the "Parenting" board, or even the "6-9mo." board?

kmonroe2

Thanks ladies! I will try to repost on another board as well.

Katigox....We are leaning towards the helmet. There is a small window of time where the helmet is useful. Usually before 9 months. Definitely before 12 months. I was hoping the flatness would improve after he was sitting up and not on his head so much. It has improved a little but is still very obvious. I don't want to regret not getting it down the road. 

Gargita

@redwood807 may have some insight.

rachael_c26

Gargita said:

@redwood807 may have some insight.

Yes. She was my first thought as well.

I have her paged out through FB, so OP be sure to check back.

katigox

kmonroe2 said:

Thanks ladies! I will try to repost on another board as well.

Katigox....We are leaning towards the helmet. There is a small window of time where the helmet is useful. Usually before 9 months. Definitely before 12 months. I was hoping the flatness would improve after he was sitting up and not on his head so much. It has improved a little but is still very obvious. I don't want to regret not getting it down the road. 

Sounds like a plan then.  How soon before you guys start with it (since there is a shorter time window)?  Did the specialist feel like the helmet would for sure improve everything, or is there a chance it wouldn't do that much? 

FX and GL

lywedding

My DS wore a helmet or DOC band for 8 weeks. He fell in the "moderate" range and after talking to our pedi, we decided to do it. We are so glad we did it. The results were amazing. If you are on the fence, I personally would do it. Not only for the physical appearance reasons later in life but the health results of flat spots aren't known yet since this a relatively new phenomenon due to the "back to sleep" campaign. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

atrinh11

We are definitely dealing with plagio as well. My LO turned 9 months today and has now had his helmet for 3 weeks. Although he doesn't have tort, he does have moderate plagio. His asymmetry number was 9mm. Do you know what your LO's numbers are? We had a check-up today and I am really happy so far. Honestly, the first couple of weeks were awful for us. Not that LO didn't like his helmet, but he ended up cutting his first tooth, and then getting sick, all within the first week he has his helmet. We are past all of that now, and we definitely noticed progress in the last week. The appointment today confirmed what I thought I was seeing. Our orthodist could see the improvement on the back of his head that I had noticed, but she could also see improvement in his forehead. I am quite pleased that we are seeing results already, and am really glad we are doing it. I am sure I would have regretted not doing it.

One thing I found helpful was this board on baby center. It is full of women who completely understand what you are going through and have great words of wisdom. https://community.babycenter.com/groups/a52465/plagiocephaly_support 

Good luck!

kmonroe2

Thanks ladies! His asymmetry # was 9mm. I did go ahead and book another scan and helmet fitting for this Wednesday. There seems to be more advantages than disadvantages. Like a PP said, there is still so much unknown about the complications of untreated plagiocephaly. I just don't want to take any chances. 

I really appreciate all of your feedback! I will keep you posted.