Causes of Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly can be caused by various factors, many of which are beyond the control of parents. One common cause is the baby’s position in the womb. If a baby remains in one position for an extended period or shares the womb with a twin, they may be born with plagiocephaly.
Premature babies are also more susceptible to developing plagiocephaly due to their soft skulls, which are more prone to misshaping. Additionally, babies who spend a significant amount of time in the neonatal unit on a respirator are at a higher risk of developing plagiocephaly.
Another contributing factor to plagiocephaly is torticollis, a condition characterized by tight neck muscles. When a baby has torticollis, they tend to favor turning their head to one side, resulting in flattening on the opposite side.
Furthermore, babies who are consistently placed on their backs for extended periods are also at risk of developing plagiocephaly.
How Does Plagiocephaly Affect Development?
Plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, typically does not have a significant impact on development in mild cases occurring before the age of five months. In these instances, the condition often corrects itself with regular tummy time and repositioning.
However, for moderate to severe cases or cases in which the child is older, there may be potential repercussions on neurological development. Children over the age of one with flat head syndrome have been associated with delayed neural development, particularly in motor function.
Additionally, there are several other conditions that may arise as a result of plagiocephaly. These include jaw asymmetry or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, scoliosis, sleep apnea, visual defects, and middle ear abnormalities.