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Plagiocephaly (Flat head syndrome)
Plagiocephaly can occur in babies from lying down too much — it can be diagnosed and treated by our HCA UK consultants
What is plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) is a common condition, affecting around 1 in 5 babies.
Their head becomes flattened on one side, making it look assymetrical. This often occurs because they spend a lot of time lying on their back.
Your baby's consultant can diagnose them and offer a range of treatment options.
Need to know
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.
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.
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
Our Plagiocephaly (Flat head syndrome) consultants
Dr Nirit Braha
Paediatrics
Dr Benjamin Jacobs
Paediatrics
Dr Dionysios Alexandrou
Paediatrics
Dr Martin Gray
Paediatrics
Our Plagiocephaly (Flat head syndrome) locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.