Do helmets work for brachycephaly?

FRIDAY, May 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Some babies develop a flat area on their head from lying in the same position for long periods of time, but special helmets are ineffective in treating the condition, a new study finds.

When do you wear a helmet for brachycephaly?

The idea is that the helmets stop the infant lying on the flattened area of their head. Treatment is usually started when the infant is 5 or 6 months old – when their skull is still soft enough to be moulded. The helmet is required to be worn up to 23 hours a day, and full treatment usually takes around 3-6 months.

How late can you put a helmet on a baby?

By the time your baby is 1 year old, helmet therapy treatment is generally considered ineffective because the growth of the skull, including fusion of sutures, is much further along. Other than bath time, your baby should always wear their corrective helmet—even when they sleep.

Does brachycephaly improve with age?

More severe cases will also get better over time, although some flattening will usually remain. The appearance of your child’s head should improve as they become more mobile and their hair grows. It’s very rare for a child to experience problems such as teasing when they reach school age.

Does brachycephaly cause developmental delays?

Summary: Babies with flat head syndrome may be at heightened risk of developmental delays, a new study has found. The research highlights the need for early and prompt assessment and intervention.

Does brachycephaly improve over time?

Your baby’s head may not return to a completely perfect shape, but by the time they’re 1 or 2 years old any flattening will be barely noticeable. More severe cases will also get better over time, although some flattening will usually remain.

Can you fix brachycephaly without helmet?

An alternative that Emmy’s pediatrician recommended was taking a roll of foam like this one and cutting a small area to go under her crib sheet where she lays her head. He suggested to put the bumpy side down and this would help correct her flatness.

Does Brachycephaly improve with age?

Why do so many babies need helmets now?

On the playground or at daycare, you may have noticed more and more babies sporting helmets. These foam-filled helmets aren’t to protect babies from falls. Instead, they are helping babies with flat head syndrome or positional skull deformities grow rounder, well-shaped skulls.

Can flat head be corrected after 8 months?

As babies grow, they begin to change position themselves during sleep, so their heads aren’t in the same position. When babies can sit on their own, a flat spot usually won’t get any worse. Then, over months and years, as the skull grows, the flattening will improve, even in severe cases.

Is brachycephaly a form of plagiocephaly?

The head can become flattened at one side, causing the head to look asymmetrical and distorted (for example, so that the ears are not aligned). This is known as plagiocephaly. The whole back of the head can become flattened, causing a widening of the head. This is known as brachycephaly.