In recent years, the use of cranial helmets has gained attention as a non-invasive treatment option for infants diagnosed with plagiocephaly, a condition characterized by an asymmetrical head shape. As parents navigate the myriad of choices available for their child’s health and development, understanding the role of cranial helmets becomes essential. These specially designed devices are crafted to gently guide the growth of an infant’s skull, promoting a more symmetrical shape over time. While the sight of a baby wearing a helmet may raise questions and concerns, it is important to recognize that this treatment is often recommended by pediatricians and specialists to address specific developmental needs.
In this article, we will explore what plagiocephaly is, how cranial helmets work, and the benefits they offer in supporting healthy cranial development in infants. By shedding light on this topic, we aim to provide parents with valuable insights that can help them make informed decisions regarding their child’s care.
1. Understanding Plagiocephaly in Infants: Causes & Symptoms
Plagiocephaly, also referred to as flat head syndrome, is a condition characterized by the flattening of one side of an infant’s head. This condition can result from various factors, including prolonged periods in a single position, such as supine lying, or congenital torticollis, a condition where the neck muscles are abnormally tight. Additionally, plagiocephaly can be caused by the fetal position in the womb or premature closure of the cranial sutures.
The symptoms of plagiocephaly vary in severity, ranging from mild cases where the flattening is barely perceptible to more severe cases where the head appears significantly misshapen. Other symptoms may include facial asymmetry, unevenly positioned ears, and a noticeable tilt of the head. It is essential for parents to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention if they suspect their child may have plagiocephaly.
While plagiocephaly can be a concern for parents, it is a common condition that can be effectively treated. One of the most common treatment methods for plagiocephaly is the use of cranial helmets, which are specifically designed to reshape an infant’s skull and correct the flattening that has occurred. In subsequent sections, we will delve into the role of cranial helmets in treating plagiocephaly and their mechanism of action in reshaping infants’ skulls.
2. The Role of Cranial Helmets in Treating Plagiocephaly
Cranial helmets, also known as orthotic helmets, are custom-made devices that are worn by infants to help correct the shape of their heads. These helmets are typically made from a lightweight, durable material and are designed to fit snugly over the infant’s head. The helmets are carefully crafted to apply gentle pressure to specific areas of the skull, encouraging growth in the flattened areas and allowing for more symmetrical development.
The primary goal of cranial helmets is to promote natural skull growth and correct any asymmetry that has occurred due to plagiocephaly. By providing a consistent and gentle pressure to the affected areas, cranial helmets can help guide the growth of the skull in a more symmetrical manner. This can ultimately lead to a more rounded and proportionate head shape for the infant.
In addition to promoting natural skull growth, cranial helmets also play a crucial role in preventing further flattening of the head. By providing a protective barrier around the infant’s head, these helmets can help ensure that any pressure or force applied to the head is distributed evenly, reducing the risk of further asymmetry. Overall, cranial helmets are an effective and non-invasive treatment option for infants with plagiocephaly, and they have been shown to produce positive results in correcting head shape.
3. How Cranial Helmets Work to Reshape Infants Skulls
Cranial helmets work by applying gentle and consistent pressure to specific areas of an infant’s skull. This pressure helps to guide the growth of the skull in a more symmetrical manner, ultimately leading to a more rounded and proportionate head shape. The helmets are custom-made for each individual infant, ensuring a proper fit and optimal results.
When an infant wears a cranial helmet, the pressure applied by the helmet encourages growth in the flattened areas of the skull. This can help to correct any asymmetry that has occurred due to plagiocephaly and promote natural skull development. Over time, as the infant’s skull continues to grow, the helmet helps to guide this growth in a more symmetrical manner, ultimately leading to a more rounded and proportionate head shape.
4. Benefits of Using Cranial Helmets for Plagiocephaly Treatment
There are several benefits to using cranial helmets for the treatment of plagiocephaly in infants. One of the primary benefits is that these helmets provide a non-invasive and effective treatment option for correcting head shape. Unlike more invasive treatments, such as surgery, cranial helmets offer a gentle and natural approach to reshaping an infant’s skull.
Another benefit of using cranial helmets is that they are custom-made for each individual infant, ensuring a proper fit and optimal results. This personalized approach allows for targeted pressure to be applied to specific areas of the skull, promoting natural growth and correcting any asymmetry that has occurred due to plagiocephaly. In addition to promoting natural skull growth, cranial helmets also play a crucial role in preventing further flattening of the head.
By providing a protective barrier around the infant’s head, these helmets can help ensure that any pressure or force applied to the head is distributed evenly, reducing the risk of further asymmetry. Overall, cranial helmets are an effective and non-invasive treatment option for infants with plagiocephaly, and they have been shown to produce positive results in correcting head shape.
5. What to Expect When Using Cranial Helmets for Infants
When using cranial helmets for infants with plagiocephaly, it’s important for parents to understand what to expect during the treatment process. The first step in using cranial helmets is to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional who specializes in treating plagiocephaly. This evaluation will help determine if a cranial helmet is an appropriate treatment option for the infant and will also provide valuable information for creating a custom-fitted helmet.
Once a custom-fitted helmet has been created for the infant, it’s important for parents to ensure that it is worn consistently as directed by their healthcare provider. The helmet should be worn for a specified number of hours each day, typically ranging from 16-23 hours, depending on the severity of the plagiocephaly. It’s important for parents to follow these guidelines closely in order to achieve optimal results.
Throughout the treatment process, it’s important for parents to monitor their infant’s progress and attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider. These appointments will allow for adjustments to be made to the helmet as needed and will provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to assess the infant’s progress. With consistent wear and proper monitoring, cranial helmets have been shown to produce positive results in correcting head shape and treating plagiocephaly in infants.
Leading Provider of Cranial Helmets in Middle Tennessee
At Restorative Prosthetics and Orthotics, we pride ourselves on being the leading provider of cranial helmets in Middle Tennessee. Our commitment to quality care is reflected in our comprehensive approach, which includes providing scans at all our locations throughout the region. We understand that convenience is essential for families, which is why we also offer the option to visit your therapist or physician’s clinic to conduct scans for your child.
By choosing Restorative Prosthetics and Orthotics, you are not only opting for advanced technology and expertise but also ensuring that your child receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. We are dedicated to supporting families through every step of the process, from initial assessments to ongoing adjustments, ensuring that each child has the best possible outcome. If you have concerns about your child’s cranial development or would like more information about our services, please do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help pave the way for a healthier future for your child. Schedule your free consultation today !!
