FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Plagiocephaly self correct?

In some cases yes. If detected before the lambdoidal suture closes, repositioning techniques will help return to a normal head shape. But some cases of plagiocephaly don't seem to correct themselves even when detected early and require the use of a helmet to reshape the head. There have not been any clinical studies to quantify these observations.

At which stage does plagiocephaly become significant enough that is creates visible facial abnormality and may be developmental and psychobehavioral consequences?

There have been no clinical studies showing that plagiocephaly will cause developmental problems. What has been established is that children with severe plagiocephaly seem to also have developmental issues.

If my child shows symetry between nose and ear distance, does this mean that it does not have plagiocephaly?

Most probably yes. However, there is one case when the flat area is centered in the posterior part of the head. In this case, the head is symetric but the back is flatter than normal. Fortunately, this case is self evident and parents will detect it easily.

What should I do if I think my child has plagiocephaly?

If you suspect your baby has plagiocephaly, take him or her to your pediatriciant right away. The earlierit is detected, the easier it is to reverse deformity. (Feel free to ask your doctor or us for referalls to a plagiocephaly specialist for any second opinions). And always employ the TOTS recommendations while holding and setting down your baby.

What treatment options are there for plagiocephaly?

Corrective treatment for plagiocephaly usually involves a device such as a helmet or band to reshape the head. Unfortunately, these devices can be expensive and may not always completely correct the deformity. To add to the cost, many insurance companies limit coverage for plagiocephaly treatments on the rational that it is just a cosmetic deformity. It is always best to implement the TOTS recommendations to prevent plagiocephaly before corrective treatments are necessary.

Isn’t plagiocephaly just a cosmetic deformity?
Contrary to what many clinicians believe, there is growing evidence, that plagiocephaly is NOT just a cosmetic concern. It is a significant public health issue that should not be disregarded as purely cosmetic. There are a significant number of clinicians who falsely believe that deformational plagiocephaly is a self-correcting condition and thus minimize its importance when contrasted with the overriding imperative to prevent SIDS. Dr. Plagio believes this is a misguided approach for a number of reasons. First, it leaves parents without the proper information on the simple preventative techniques they can easily integrate into AAP’s back sleeping requirements. Also, plagiocephaly is not just a self-reversing cosmetic condition, as noted by those children who are fitted with invasive and uncomfortable gadgets including helmets, bands and other contraptions to force the correction of the deformation of the skull.

There is also evidence that the shifting or moving of the earsis not reversible even if the skull bones gain some symmetry.

Can plagiocephaly phenomenon be reversed? If parents start repositioning their babies today, can we eliminate the condition?

Dr. Plagio’s goal is to bring the number of incidences of plagiocephaly back to pre-1992 levels. Fortunately, the TOTS techniques are easy and free. The only real hurdle is education.

Is treatment for plagiocephaly costly?

Unfortunately corrective plagiocephaly treatments can be expensive; starting at around $3000. Most insurance companies offer limited coverage for treatment, if they cover it at all. The good news is that Dr. Plagio’s preventative techniques, TOTS, are free and easy to do. With the right action, parents can prevent positional plagiocephaly 99% of the time.

How can I get more information on the preventative technique TOTS?