Plagiocephaly Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Plagiocephaly is a condition in which the baby’s head undergoes a change in shape to become flat on one side. In Indonesia, plagiocephaly is known as paying heed.
Changes in the shape of the baby’s head can actually occur normally, for example after childbirth.
When passing through the birth canal, the baby’s head will be depressed and the plates of the skull, which are still loosely arranged, can overlap for a few seconds. The overlapping of these skull plates can occur because the skull structure is still loose, especially in the fontanel or crown.
If the labor process takes a long time, the pressure on the head bone will make the baby’s head become oval and look sore. No need to worry, in this condition the shape of the baby’s head will return to normal in a matter of weeks to months.
In addition to the birth process, a baby’s head that is shaped like a baby can also occur as a result of the sleeping position not being changed or relatively the same from time to time. The pain caused by mistakes in positioning the baby is called plagiocephaly which is positional in nature.
Plagiocephaly can also occur due to congenital abnormalities, where one of the areas of the skull, the coronal suture, closes faster than it should ( craniosynostosis ). However, cases of plagiocephaly due to this congenital abnormality are very rare. Plagiocephaly that is generally found is caused by confusion in the baby’s sleeping position.
Symptoms
Plagiocephaly is easily recognized by the presence of a flat head shape on one side. This change in the shape of the head does not cause pain, does not affect the baby’s activity or routine pattern and generally does not result in significant health problems.
Diagnosis
Plagiocephaly is most easily recognized by looking at the shape of the baby’s head from the top. From this point of view, the part of the head that hurts looks flatter compared to the other side.
To determine the cause of plagiocephaly, whether due to position or due to congenital abnormalities, several additional examinations are required. The examination is in the form of:
- Genetic testing to evaluate the possibility of a syndrome that causes craniosynostosis
Cause
Most plagiocephaly is caused by sleeping in the same position over time. Data shows that 20-25 percent of babies who are always put to sleep in the supine position will experience plagiocephaly.
Some babies have higher risk factors for plagiocephaly. These risk factors include:
- Twin pregnancy with a small uterus
- Premature babies who receive long bed rest treatment in the NICU
- Babies who suffer from muscular torticollis or shortening of one of the neck muscles that makes the head pull to one side.
Treatment
Because it is generally caused by the same sleeping position over time, the first thing that must be changed to treat plagiocephaly is the sleeping position. Changes in sleeping position can be:
- Sleep in a slightly tilted position
- Changing position while breastfeeding
- Holding the baby when he wakes up from his sleep
- Tummy time or turning the baby upside down with full supervision.
If this arrangement of sleeping position cannot overcome plagiocephaly, the use of a special helmet can be a solution. This helmet is specifically designed to reduce pressure on the flat part of the head so that the shape of the head will gradually return to normal.
The treatment method with this special helmet is effective when applied to children aged 4-12 months. After the child is 1 year old, this special helmet is no longer effective because the bones of the skull have generally fused and become harder so that it is difficult to reshape.
Complications
When plagiocephaly occurs due to sleeping position, generally this form of abnormality will not result in significant complications. The disorder experienced by the child is more cosmetic, due to the uneven shape of the head.
However, when this plagiocephaly is caused by the congenital abnormality of craniosynostosis, the lopsided head can lead to various complications such as:
- Abnormalities in the shape of the head that are permanent in nature
- Increased pressure in the cranial cavity
- Convulsions
- Developmental disorders
Prevention
To prevent plagiocephaly due to position, the baby’s sleeping and breastfeeding position should be changed. This change of position should be done periodically.