Plagiocephaly

Need to know

• Symptoms of plagiocephaly icon plus

  Symptoms for plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) are mainly visible, and your baby should not experience any pain. Therefore things to look for in their physical features can include:

  • their head appearing flattened on one side
  • misaligned ears
  • on the flatter side of your baby's head, there may be a slight bulge on their cheek or forehead

  Whilst the physical characteristics can seem a little worrying, in most cases there is no major cause for concern as the brain is not at risk.

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your baby's consultant will discuss their symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They will likely ask how regularly you lie your baby on their back, and how long ago you noticed any change in their head and/or facial appearance. In order to diagnose flat head syndrome, your baby's consultant will examine their head. If the visible symptoms are present, they can then suggest treatment options to you.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Your baby's consultant will discuss their treatment options with you and determine the best approach for them. These may include: - Providing you with a specially designed helmet or headband for them to wear. These are not common but can slowly help your baby's head shape itself more naturally - Physiotherapy if they have difficulty moving their head - Advise you on ways you can assist with your baby's movement, such as lying them on their tummy more frequently - In very few cases, corrective surgery may be an option. Rest assured, your baby's consultant would discuss this option with you in detail before any decision was made