Helmets

jennifire7

Both of our twins have cranial bands, twin A has had his for 2 months and twin B has had his for 2 1/2 months and they are almost 7 months. We have been told by our orthotic provider that all helmets only allow 20mm of change/growth. Twin B was at 16mm of change as of today, and they are recommending a second helmet since we are still not within "normal" guidelines. We are frustrated that we are going to need a second helmet and that now we will be paying for three helmets out of pocket since our insurance is not covering it (considering it cosmetic even though it is medically necessary). My question is that since there is a huge improvement, the babies no longer sleep on their backs (which still scares me!), and that they spend a lot more time upright, has anyone chosen not to get the second helmet/or feel strongly about getting the next helmet? Thanks ladies.

projectbaby2012

Just one of my babies needed a helmet.  He wore it for 10 weeks and went from 10mm to 0mm in that time.  There was one more important measurement as well and that improved within the normal range. I think it improved so fast due to our timing (at 5 months, before a big growth spurt) and the fact that he became a stomach sleeper.  We had to pay out of pocket too - cosmetic issue according to BCBS - total BS!

The 2nd helmet is a tough call.  We were told that if our son had been only 5mm or less off, he would not have been prescribed a helmet.  So by that standard, your son is fine.  How is his other measurement (I don't recall what it is, but it was a percentage #)?  In your opinion, how does it look?  Does his head look significantly improved?  If you trust your orthotist and you can afford it, I would go for it.  If you don't feel good about what they are telling you and/or can't afford it, I would get a second opinion.  We found Hanger to be the most honest of the places where we live.  Good luck. 

mamatotwins0812

Such a tough call. Both my guys had them and although I can't recall the numbers, they both had them on just about 3 months when they were taken off prematurely. Long story short we couldn't find a new provider when we moved. Twin a barely needed it to begin with (in my opinion) so I wasn't at all worried about him. Twin b was more severe but had improved dramatically within those 3 months. I hemmed and hawed about the decision to take them off prematurely. Ours were covered but we have high deductibles so they were still very costly. I was upset that we "weren't getting our money's worth" and that after all that time their heads still wouldn't be perfect. I can say that I'm very happy with the end result though. They came off at 9 months and today (13 months) their heads look great and you'd never know. Their hair fills in the lingering gaps and a great deal has "corrected itself" in the last few months. I definitely can understand your dilemma. My suggestion would be to ask yourself if you'd be happy with their heads if they were to come off now. Chances are they'll still improve slightly, so if your answer is yes, I wouldn't get the next helmet. If you'd still be upset with the shape then I'd get it. Good luck.

jessican08

DS had severe plagio and had to have two bands. I'm really glad we proceeded with the second band because it made a big difference. He just "graduated" from it Monday and though his head will likely never be perfect, it's SO much better than it was. I'm so sorry insurance isn't covering it. 

jennifire7

@jessican08 when did you start with the first helmet? Did you do any break in between the two helmets?

jennifire7

@projectbaby2012 thanks for the info, we also use a Hanger clinic and they have been helpful with trying to fight the insurance (unsuccessful, but helpful nonetheless). The first helmet has definitely made his head round, but is not longer than it is wide (that percentage is not within "normal" guidelines) and it still is kinda triangular from above. I am switching companies in the next few days and my new healthcare is BCBS - I was hoping to have better luck with them, but I guess it's not looking good with them either. Ugh!

nuttycoconut

My twins have Doc Bands. I believe they have been on for about 7 weeks and they most likely have 3 more weeks to go. Our cranial specialist is "on the fence" about whether they will need a 2nd band or not so next week we are going to get measurements, scans, and photographs to see. She said she is not sure the 2nd band benefits will outweigh the time they will spend in them, I guess because their heads are growing much more slowly now then when we first got them.

I probably won't get the second band because I'm very happy with the results so far and both babies were in the mild category to begin with. My insurance paid $3,500 out of $5,000. I'm not sure what happens with the 2nd band though. 

Good luck with this decision! I had lunch with an acquaintance last wknd whose baby was in a band for 5 weeks. She decided against the second band and his head to me looks extremely misshapen. I have no idea why she would not have continued treatment.  The poor little guy couldn't even fit a baseball cap on his head.  Like PP said, if you think his head looks great, then let it be. But if you'll always regret it, then do it! 

jessican08

jennifire7 said:

@jessican08 when did you start with the first helmet? Did you do any break in between the two helmets?

Sorry i missed this yesterday! DS got his first helmet in March and then the second one in...May/June? We only took about a 2 week break to wait on insurance and for the band to be created.