What is Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly?
Plagiocephaly is the word that is used to describe the asymmetry of the head shape. This word particularly describes a flattening which is to one side of an infant’s head, usually the back but it can also occur at the front of the head or face as a secondary issue.
Brachycephaly is the word used describe a wider than normal head shape with a flattening across the back of the head. We usually see a combination of Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly with a wide head shape which is flattened to one side.
Scaphocephaly is the word used to describe the condition where the head is disproportionately long and narrow.
Technology in Motion has developed TiMband, a unique treatment and management system to resolve plagiocephaly or ‘flat head syndrome’.
1 in 25 babies are born with flat head syndrome. So what is the best and ideal age to start treatment?
- 0-4 months: Repositioning techniques are the preferred treatment option
- 4-7 months: Ideal age for treatment
- 7-14 months: Can start treatment anywhere up to 14 months. Too old for repositioning techniques. After 18 months TiMband will be ineffective for treatment
Treatment usually lasts between 3 months to 6 months and has a 100% success rate. Parents can notice that their baby has an unusual head shape at about 8 weeks old. If your baby is under four months old, and you notice a flattening starting to develop, then you should start to reposition to take pressure away from the flattened area as soon as your notice it.
Relieve pressure on the flattened part of the head for as much time as possible, allowing it to naturally return to a more normal shape. As a baby reaches the age of five months this becomes more difficult as they are now beginning to reposition and roll independently.
