Post-appt update: Plagiocephaly and helmets

Re: Post-appt update: Plagiocephaly and helmets

• ras26 member

  September 2014 edited September 2014

  DD1 had a moderate-severe flat spot for which we got a helmet to correct. I forget the numbers, but it did work and her head is now perfect. She started at 7 months and was out of it before her first birthday. You don't *have* to do it before 1 year, but during the period of rapid growth is when it is ideal. It doesn't re-shape what is already there, it just encourages new growth to the flat areas, so the faster the head is growing, the faster you'll get results.
  
  I am glad we did it, but it is interesting, because based on more recent research to come out, our pedi noted he's not sure he would continue recommending it as much as he did in the past. https://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g2906
  It was a difficult call for us, but we figured if we didn't treat, and it didn't correct itself, the opportunity was missed. If we correct and it would have corrected itself, we were only out the money and treatment time. DD wasn't really bothered by it, which is saying something since she got it in like June and had to endure the hot sweaty months. Good luck with your decision!
  
  ETA a photo
  
  

  
  Baby Girl #2 is on her way!
  

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• gucciman3 member

  September 2014

  Could u post a pic of the head and face for me?? I want to see the forehead and the flat spot. I feel like I am now constantly looking at other children to catch anything that may warrant a helmet. I will tell you that most insurance companies feel the helmet is only for cosmetic reasons and refuse to pay so u may want to contact them

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• Iznik member

  September 2014

  I'm glad to see that I'm not alone on this!  We actually have an appt today with a pedi that our friend recommended. We'll get a 2nd opinion from her on the flat spot, as well as a few other things that we've been concerned about that the pedi has been blowing off. DH liked him because he was laid back...but I think he's too laid back!

  
  

  We've tried pretty hard the last month or 2 to work on the spot and maybe it's gotten slightly better, but it's still there. The problem is she won't do tummy time (she immediately rolls and if you won't let her, she screams!). She's sitting pretty well now though so we try to keep her sitting up most of the day when she's home with us. We are trying to limit her time in the swing, but she's still in there occasionally if she won't sleep. We've also had her in the RNP for sleep a fair amount because otherwise she's up like 10 times (sometimes literally) per night. 

  
  

  DesirreK I'm glad to hear that your LO isn't really bothered by the helmet!  

  ras26 Your LO looks adorable!

  Mamosey I'm a bit frustrated because I've been convinced for months that this was an issue but no one (pedi, DH, my mom) seemed to notice and made me feel crazy. 

  KatyBriggs We will probably be trying out EI as well because LO doesn't really bear weight. They may be able to help with her flat spot too.

  gucciman3 I'll see if I can find some pics that highlight her head shape.

  
  

  Thanks ladies!!

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• nebraska84 member

  September 2014

  My pedi thought DS2 had a flat head but it turned out to be cranio synostosis, which is the premature fusing of a skill suture, and requires him to him surgery next month. His right lamboid is fused and it causing a flat spot behind his right ear. If I were you I would ask for a second opinion to make sure, I don't mean to stress you out but I am lucky that my son's was caught because it is often mis-diagnosed as flat head. Don't worry and please don't goggle it because it can be scary. If you want to PM me I can send you a picture of my sons cute little head, you can only tell his is titled from the back.

   

  

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• gucciman3 member

  September 2014

  Nebraska84 I emailed weeks ago lol. Anyway I was thinking lamboid suture too that's why I asked for pictures

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• nebraska84 member

  September 2014

  @gucciman3 sorry I didn't see you post I don't understanding the new bump settings. Anyway, I am willing email @lznik pictures if she wants

   

  

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• gucciman3 member

  September 2014

  I want to see the pics of ur child and hers...when she said that his for head was protruding it made me immediately think of craniosinostosis...u can email me at alysonc9610@gmail.com

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• gucciman3 member

  September 2014

  I seriously doubt he does have cranio, but from a mothers stand point it's irritating when u know something is wrong but the doctor refuses to listen. If u feel that he needs a helmet then get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion.

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• Iznik member

  September 2014

  Just wanted to follow up after yesterday's appt. The new pedi wasn't terribly concerned about the head shape and was focused on her head size and failure to meet gross motor milestones instead I guess those are more pressing issues. However, I did find a specialist who does plagiocephaly as well as craniostenosis, so I've made an appointment as a precaution to get his opinion.

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• boogerbearoriginal member

  September 2014

  ::hugs:: @iznik - I hope the additional concerns turn out to be nothing major.
  

  
  
  

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• nebraska84 member

  September 2014

  @lznik if you don't mind me asking, what gross motor skills is she not reaching? I'm watching DS2 skills closely since he does have cranio.

   

  

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• Iznik member

  September 2014

  @nebraska84‌ She has only just recently started bearing weight and it's super minimal and awkward, she hasn't rolled back to belly, and she's never come close to pushing up to hands and knees. I think the bearing weight thing is the main concern though.
  
  It may all be related -- who knows at this point! She will be getting a head ultrasound tomorrow to check for hydrocephalus and we are meeting with EI next week.

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• nebraska84 member

  September 2014

  @lznik best of luck with everything. I pray that you find the answers you are looking for and bless your little girl and she goes through this. please let me know if you have any questions or anything I can help you will...

   

  

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• Iznik member

  September 2014 edited September 2014

  @ivedonethisb4‌ Ah, sorry, LO has a big head. It went from 90th percentile at 4 months to 97th at 6 months. I think the increased size rather than the size itself is the problem.
  
  We had our ultrasound yesterday and it wasn't nearly as terrible as I expected! Also, the dr did initial review while we were there to make sure he didn't need more pics and said it looks like LO just has a big head! We will of course have to wait for the final report, but he seemed optimistic!

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• nebraska84 member

  September 2014

  @lznik I am glad the appt yesterday went good. My first son has a big head, he has always been significantly above the 99%, the doc was concerned from 6-9 months and then his head began to follow the slope, well above it, but follow it. He will always just have a big head. I hope your get the answers soon.

   

  

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