Today, we went to Cranial Technologies, and they are recommending a helmet (DOC band) to help with Heidi's asymmetrical head shape. She will have to wear it for 6-9 weeks, if we are able to start while she is 4 months old. Once she is fitted for the helmet, she will need weekly adjustments until her skull is as symmetrical as they can make it. The helmet will weight 4-6 ounces, depending on the size.
That is the short story. Now for the long story.
For a while now, I noticed that the top of Heidi's head was flatter on the top right than the left. I kept hoping it would change, but if anything is became more pronounced, but still not noticeable to most people. I also noticed that she preferred to keep her head looking to her left, and always slept facing that direction, and sucked her left thumb, as well as rolling over her left shoulder. At her 4 month checkup yesterday, I asked her pediatrician what he thought, and he recommended we have an evaluation for a cranial orthotic. He gave Heidi a diagnosis of asymmetry to cranium - plagiocephaly. (I was hopeful that he would just say I was being overly anal - nope).
I made an appointment with Cranial Technologies - good thing they were able to fit us in today, otherwise my mind would have gone crazy!
They took pictures of Heidi's head, and used a soft cloth to push her hair down so the pictures were more accurate. A Physical Therapist and Orthotist spent a long time with us, going over the results. She has Plagiocephaly . Heidi's presents atypical, as she head lilts to the left, and turns left as well. It is attributed to have started while in-utero (in-utero molding) with not having enough space to move around, and presenting in a very low position for so many weeks. She also has two flat spots on the back of her head, which is not typical for this diagnosis. Usually, a baby has a flat spot one one side, or it is symmetrically flat. Thus Heidi's head is more elongated than they want (parietal narrowing), and we want the back of her head to widen. With her head height unleveling, we want the right top to continue to grow. Her left ear has moderate shifting forward (anterior ear shift), and the area above her left eye is slightly bulging (anterior orbit shift).
They strongly recommended we pursue treatment, which is in the form of a helmet. A helmet will prevent the curved parts of Heidi's skull to not grow, and the flat portions to grow outward. We went over a bunch of different stretches to help elongate her left side neck muscle. The stretches will help Heidi look right, and bring her chin closer to her right shoulder. If possible, they want her sleeping on her back, looking right. For supervised naps, she can continue sleeping on her stomach, looking to her right with her right arm down by her side.
They were very confident that her cranial sutures are all fine, so we are NOT dealing with craniosynotosis. They saw nothing of concern about her brain development. I specifically asked a few times if we needed further testing, and they stated no.
So that was my day. On one hand, I am glad that this is my background, as it made it easier to understand and ask questions. And I have worked with more kids than I can remember who have worn this type of helmet. But on the other hand, I worry even more.
Please pray that we are able to get in this week for more specific measurements for the helmet, with no issues with insurance. And that we can fit the helmet next week. I'm thankful that there is a location outside of New York City, and one in New Jersey, so we will be able to continue treatment up there, just with lots of time driving in the car. Please pray that my mind stays calm.
That is the short story. Now for the long story.
For a while now, I noticed that the top of Heidi's head was flatter on the top right than the left. I kept hoping it would change, but if anything is became more pronounced, but still not noticeable to most people. I also noticed that she preferred to keep her head looking to her left, and always slept facing that direction, and sucked her left thumb, as well as rolling over her left shoulder. At her 4 month checkup yesterday, I asked her pediatrician what he thought, and he recommended we have an evaluation for a cranial orthotic. He gave Heidi a diagnosis of asymmetry to cranium - plagiocephaly. (I was hopeful that he would just say I was being overly anal - nope).
I made an appointment with Cranial Technologies - good thing they were able to fit us in today, otherwise my mind would have gone crazy!
They took pictures of Heidi's head, and used a soft cloth to push her hair down so the pictures were more accurate. A Physical Therapist and Orthotist spent a long time with us, going over the results. She has Plagiocephaly . Heidi's presents atypical, as she head lilts to the left, and turns left as well. It is attributed to have started while in-utero (in-utero molding) with not having enough space to move around, and presenting in a very low position for so many weeks. She also has two flat spots on the back of her head, which is not typical for this diagnosis. Usually, a baby has a flat spot one one side, or it is symmetrically flat. Thus Heidi's head is more elongated than they want (parietal narrowing), and we want the back of her head to widen. With her head height unleveling, we want the right top to continue to grow. Her left ear has moderate shifting forward (anterior ear shift), and the area above her left eye is slightly bulging (anterior orbit shift).
They strongly recommended we pursue treatment, which is in the form of a helmet. A helmet will prevent the curved parts of Heidi's skull to not grow, and the flat portions to grow outward. We went over a bunch of different stretches to help elongate her left side neck muscle. The stretches will help Heidi look right, and bring her chin closer to her right shoulder. If possible, they want her sleeping on her back, looking right. For supervised naps, she can continue sleeping on her stomach, looking to her right with her right arm down by her side.
They were very confident that her cranial sutures are all fine, so we are NOT dealing with craniosynotosis. They saw nothing of concern about her brain development. I specifically asked a few times if we needed further testing, and they stated no.
So that was my day. On one hand, I am glad that this is my background, as it made it easier to understand and ask questions. And I have worked with more kids than I can remember who have worn this type of helmet. But on the other hand, I worry even more.
Please pray that we are able to get in this week for more specific measurements for the helmet, with no issues with insurance. And that we can fit the helmet next week. I'm thankful that there is a location outside of New York City, and one in New Jersey, so we will be able to continue treatment up there, just with lots of time driving in the car. Please pray that my mind stays calm.
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