What's that for? The "Whys" of Cranial Remodeling Helmets

What's that for? The "Whys" of Cranial Remodeling Helmets

Have you ever seen a baby wearing a colorful helmet and wondered “What’s that for?”.  The most likely answer is treating plagiocephaly.

Plagiocephaly is a common and treatable issue that causes a baby’s head to have a flattened or misshapen appearance.  Infants have a very soft and pliable skull to allow for the huge amount of growth and development that occurs.  When repeated pressure is applied to the same area, a flat spot or misshapen area can develop.

There are a number of causes for plagiocephaly including: in-utero positioning, torticollis (a tightening of the neck muscles), developmental delay, prematurity, and positional preference.  Early recognition is important for staging treatment.  Most infants under 3-4 months of age may respond to repositioning and strategies to limit continued pressure to the affected area.  Physical Therapy is often recommended to address any torticollis and developmental issues as well as discussing repositioning strategies.  It becomes more challenging to use repositioning alone as babies get older and spend less time sleeping and more awake time playing and becoming mobile.

Depending on the degree of plagiocephaly, children over the age of 5 months will most likely require a cranial remolding orthosis or helmet as part of their treatment plan.  Each orthosis and treatment plan is specific to each infant, their head shape and their projected growth.  Orthotic treatment time averages 3-4 months and requires regular follow up appointments to adjust the helmet as the baby grows and improves.  The orthosis is worn 23 hours a day and works by directing growth, contacting certain areas while providing relief for others.

When left untreated, plagiocephaly can lead to future TMJ (jaw joint) issues, visual processing issues, auditory processing issues, and there has been an increased incidence of developmental delay observed in infants with plagiocephaly.  To help decrease the risk of plagiocephaly there are a number of strategies to use often and early: play and encourage opportunities for your baby to move and be mobile, include reaching activities with favorite toys, choose different positions and ways for your baby to play and be held, when your baby is awake find ways to play and move while on their tummy, avoid long periods of awake time lying your baby on their back or placing them in swings and seats in one position.

Next time you happen to be out and about and see a baby with a helmet, you’ll have a better idea of what’s going on and why.  If you have a baby or a family member with a baby and have concerns about head shape, speak with you pediatrician and ask for a referral to WTRC Orthotics to know your options.  The earlier we begin and take measurements the better informed you can be in treatment options moving forward.