Charlie has a flat spot on the side of his head due to a major preference for facing one side over the other. Our pedi said it's moderate and might not require a helmet. We're going to meet with a specialist next week for a second opinion. Is anyone else going through this?
I honestly couldn't care less about the helmet if he does end up needing one... I'm just worried because I know four kids who had helmets as infants, and they were all later diagnosed with autism. Autism runs in my husband's family, so I'm very nervous about it. It's been a rough day.
Just chiming in since I work in neurosurgery. Most flat spots resolve themselves by a year old completely on their own. Helmets are very expensive and most insurance won't pay for it. I wouls say 90% are unnecessary.
My doctors used to run a flat head clinic since we saw so many referrals and most of the time they'd send them home with tips on pinning the pajamas to the sheets in a way that wouldn't let the baby turn their head to a certain side. If someone recommends a helmet I would exhaust all options and possibly see a pediatric neurosurgeon. Those ortho companies will convince you that it's necessary when it isn't because they make 2k per helmet. Hope this info helps!
Thank you! The helmet company we were referred to seemed kind of sketchy, so we are going to meet with a pediatric neurosurgeon in 2 weeks. I'm hoping he will echo what you said and that we can resolve it with physical therapy.
A friend of mine's daughter needed a helmet because of torticollis. She's 3 and is perfectly healthy
If LO does wind up needing one try not to worry. I don't believe it would be connected. Awesome if they can correct it with therapy, but if not the helmets work wonderfully.
My pedi hasn't said DD needed one , but one side of her head is flatter . She told us to move her head opposite when were holding her and any other time we can , so hopefully it will fix itself . She told us that IF a helmet is necessary it won't be until 4 months , I guess that's the time frame to let their heads form themselves ? But autism runs in DHs family , I had no idea the two went hand in hand , more to worry about now .
Married : ** 09/09/2011 ** BFP : 07-18-13 ** Baby #1 is a GIRL , Born 03/12/14 **
@Futuremrstonyasmith there's no proven connection! I'm sorry to have worried you... I'm sure it's just a coincidence and is related to other issues. Just me being paranoid!
Re: Anyone else dealing with plagiocephaly?
My doctors used to run a flat head clinic since we saw so many referrals and most of the time they'd send them home with tips on pinning the pajamas to the sheets in a way that wouldn't let the baby turn their head to a certain side. If someone recommends a helmet I would exhaust all options and possibly see a pediatric neurosurgeon. Those ortho companies will convince you that it's necessary when it isn't because they make 2k per helmet. Hope this info helps!
If LO does wind up needing one try not to worry. I don't believe it would be connected. Awesome if they can correct it with therapy, but if not the helmets work wonderfully.
Married : ** 09/09/2011 ** BFP : 07-18-13 ** Baby #1 is a GIRL , Born 03/12/14 **
** BFP 2 : 01- 05-15 ** EDD 09-11-15 **