Deformational plagiocephaly
Deformational plagiocephaly, also known as positional plagiocephaly is a condition in which a person's head is misshapen (asymmetrical), and is a condition which affects infants.
Causes[edit]
This is caused by the head being in the same position for extended periods of time which leads to a flattening of the head on that side. The cause can be a preventable action such as being in a car seat for an extended period of time, or it could be unavoidable, such as in utero constraint.
Differences to craniocytosis[edit]
Whilst patients with craniocytosis also have asymmetrical heads, the cause is different. The cause of craniocytosis is premature fusion of one or more skull sutures, and has no environmental cause.
Deformational plagiocephaly and craniocytosis can easily be confused and the only reliable way to be sure is with a CT scan or skull x-ray.
Common causes[edit]
- Sleeping on your back
- Muscular torticolis
- Prematurity
- In utero constraint
Treatment options[edit]
In mild cases, no treatment is required as it will resolve spontaneously when the child begins to sit, at about 1 year of age. In severe cases, however, counter positioning and helmet therapy may be warranted.
Errors in Wikipedia's article[edit]
Primarily, Wikipedia's article is wrong in its statement that the prognosis is that it resolves spontaneously by 1 year of age. Actually, this is only true in mild cases. The causes and treatment sections are also misleading.