A Look at Plagiocephaly and Cranial Remolding Helmets
What is positional plagiocephaly? What should I look for? Does my child need a cranial remolding helmet?
Positional plagiocephaly is a condition in which specific areas of an infant’s head develop an abnormally flattened shape and appearance. Occipital plagiocephaly causes a flattening of one side of the back of the head, and is often a result of the infant consistently lying on his or her back. A flat area may develop very quickly over several months. Physically, the infant may have one ear that is shifted forward. In more severe cases, the infant may have forehead or cheek protrusion on the flat side of his or her head. (From American Association of Neurological Surgeons)
A note to parents from our clinician, Emily, who specializes in cranial remolding helmets.
"I think my child has a “flat head” now what should I do? I recommend bringing it up to the pediatrician as soon as possible. Pediatricians have different opinions about helmet treatment, some are very eager to start, others take a more conservative “watch and wait” approach. Personally, I believe it’s never too early to be evaluated for helmet treatment, but it can be too late. If you’re seriously concerned about your child’s head shape, be direct with your pediatrician and start the conversation as early as possible, even as early as 2-3 month well checks. The pediatrician can also recommend at home repositioning options for your child. Plus, if you found this note - print it out and take it with you! It can help get that conversation started!"
I am bringing my child to an evaluation at Coastal. What should I bring? What will happen?
You should bring:
-The child! :)
-Insurance information: the cost of the helmet differs on each insurance plan.
-Prescription (if you have one), if you do not have one, that’s ok! You’ll just need one before the helmet can be fabricated.
-Contact information for your referring physician, your pediatrician, and your physical therapist if you have one
-Write down any questions that you may have.
What will happen:
-You’ll fill out some paperwork - demographics, insurance information, a media release, and a short health intake form,
-A cranial specialist will take you to the scan room where he/she will ask you questions and physically evaluate and assess the baby’s head shape.
-He/She will perform a scan in the STARscanner and print out a report.
-Based on the physical exam and that report, the clinician will provide a unique treatment plan
There is no charge for an evaluation appointment at Coastal!
Helmet Scanning
The StarScanner is the gold standard in Starband imaging. Offered at the Norfolk office, we use the Star Scanner for all initial evaluations and fabrication scans for helmets. It can also be used for comparison scans. The entire scan takes about 5 seconds, if the child is still.
The Vorum Spectra Scanner
The Spectra Scanner is offered as a secondary scanning option and is used in the Chesapeake, Landstown, Elizabeth City, and Newport News offices. This scanning option is used for comparison scans during helmet treatment so that families don’t need to travel to Norfolk every 6 weeks. The scan can take 5-15 minutes, but the child can move around more without disrupting the scan.
My child is getting a helmet… now what?
-The helmet must be delivered within 14 days of the scan. If there is an insurance or other paperwork hang up, a new scan may be required.
-The delivery appointment takes about 1 hour. The helmet will be trimmed and padded to optimize fit. You will also be given thorough instructions!
-The first follow up is 1 one week after the delivery. It’s usually quick and set up to make sure we catch any little problems before they become big problems.
-The second follow up is 3 weeks after the delivery. Again, it’s usually quick and adjustments are made as needed for growth.
-The third follow up is 6 weeks after the delivery. Another scan is taken that day to show the growth and improvement in the head shape.
-Follow ups continue every 3 weeks, with a comparison scan every other week.
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