Cranial Helmets: How Orthotist Services Help Infants With Plagiocephaly
It is not uncommon for parents to notice a flat area developing on their infant’s head during the early months of life. While this can be concerning at first, conditions such as plagiocephaly, also known as “flat head syndrome,” are well understood and very treatable. One of the most effective and non-invasive interventions is cranial helmets or cranial remoulding orthoses. These helmets are carefully designed and managed by certified orthotists here at Arthritis and Injury Care.
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly or “flat head syndrome” is when a part of a baby’s skull flattens, usually from prolonged pressure in one spot. The 3 common types are:
1. Plagiocephaly – flat on one side of the back of the head
2. Brachycephaly – flatness across the whole back of the head
3. Scaphocephaly – long and narrow head shape
But, do not worry; this is not your or your baby’s fault. Babies’ skulls are supposed to be soft and mouldable early on to allow the brain to grow as it continues to rapidly make neural connections in infancy. It’s this flexibility that makes them vulnerable to shape changes.
Why does it happen?
If babies are consistently lying in one position, it increases the risk of shape changes to the head. This malleable and soft skull helps during the birthing process to allow it to compress during the passage through the birth canal, preventing injury to mother and baby. It creates a space during development to facilitate rapid growth that occurs within the first few years of life. Without the skull’s ability to allow the brain to change and grow, the infant has the potential to experience developmental complications.
Risk factors include:
1. Premature birth
2. Torticollis (tight neck muscles that cause a head tilt)
3. Twin or multiple births
4. Limited tummy time
How Orthotist Services Can Help
Certified orthotists specialize in the assessment, design, and fitting of custom-fitted cranial helmets that gently guide the infant’s skull into a more symmetrical shape as the brain continues to grow.
The Treatment Process:
1. Assessment
– Infants (> 4 months old) are typically referred by a pediatrician or physiotherapist. The orthotist performs a comprehensive evaluation.
2. Custom Helmet Design
– Using precise measurements, a lightweight helmet is created to gently restrict growth in prominent areas while allowing growth in flattened regions
3. Monitoring and Adjustments
– Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure the helmet remains properly fitted and that progress continues as expected. The orthotist will make adjustments as needed to accommodate the infant’s rapid growth
4. Treatment Duration
– Most infants wear the helmet for approximately 3-6 months, depending on the severity. The optimal age to begin helmet therapy is between 5 and 7 months, when the skull is most responsive to reshaping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Is the helmet painful or uncomfortable for my baby?
– Not at all. Cranial helmets are made from soft, padded, hypoallergenic materials. Most infants adapt within a few days and continue to engage normally in play and sleep.
Q: How long does helmet therapy last?
– Treatment duration varies based on the infant’s age and severity of asymmetry, but most cases resolve within a few months of consistent wear.
Q: Will the helmet affect my baby’s brain development?
– No. The helmet does not put pressure on the infant’s brain. It creates a space where growth is needed, supporting the brain’s natural expansion while improving skull symmetry.
Q: Does insurance cover the helmet?
– Many private insurance plans do provide coverage for cranial helmets when prescribed by a healthcare professional and accompanied by a diagnosis. Our team can assist you with submitting documentation and navigating the approval process.
Overall
Plagiocephaly is a common and manageable condition. When identified early and supported through services such as cranial helmets, most infants achieve excellent outcomes in both appearance and developmental trajectory. The combination of early detection, professional care, and parental involvement creates an ideal foundation for healthy growth, both physically and neurologically.
If you have concerns about your infant’s head shape or if you have questions about whether helmet therapy may be appropriate, we encourage you to contact Arthritis and Injury Care for a consultation online on our website or by phone at (902) 442-5199. Our team of healthcare professionals is here to provide guidance, reassurance, and support every step of the way.
