PLAGIOCEPHALY AND CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY.

What is it?   A condition found with babies characterised by a flattening of one side of the head.

What causes it?    The condition can have various causes;  within the womb if  intrauterine pressure is great enough or if the baby is pushed against a pelvic bone. Because of the increase in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome babies spend most of their early days lying flat on their backs, this can cause a flattening of soft cranial bones. The shape of the head does not impact on the brain and many parents report thast it does not bother the child in any way and is only a cosmetic isuue. However, over time it can lead to problems with the neck as they favour the head held to one side.

Treatment?    The earlier treatment is sought the better.

In severe cases Paediatricians like to fit a ‘baby helmet’ which over the course of a few months can help restore normal shape to the babies head.

In a lot of cases the baby is simply re-positioned regularly throughout the day and night so that the flattened part of the head is not in contact with the mattress, however some babies do not comply and move their head back onto the flat area.

As a Cranial Osteopath I often see this condition in my practice, through Cranial work I am able to help the head re-mould and become symmetrical. It does take time depending on the severity of the flattened scull but it does get the head back to ‘normal’ and is preferable to the ‘baby helmet’. These gentle techniques release tension within the head and neck thus restoring structure and function. The child is content and the parents are happier with the look of their babies head.