Ever since the early 90s, when the American Academy of Pediatrics started recommending that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, the number of babies who develop misshapen heads has skyrocketed. It sounds funny, but it's true - their skulls are still so soft that it doesn't take much for a flat spot to develop where their head presses against the crib, floor, car seat, etc.
In Isabelle's case, it doesn't help that she was breech. Our pediatrician told us that breech babies are more susceptible because their heads are often stuck in one position, sometimes pressed up against the mother's rib cage, and this can result in muscle tightness in the neck. This is true for Isabelle; although she can turn her head fully in both directions, she favors looking to the right and has subsequently developed a flat spot on the right side.
This poses a problem because the pressure being applied to the back of the skull has caused her forehead to slope at an incline and her ears to be slightly misaligned. Although the flat spot on her skull is pretty noticeable, I wouldn't have noticed the facial characteristics if our pediatrician hadn't pointed them out. But if it's not corrected while her skull is still soft, it could get worse. She'd risk having the shape of her face altered, and things like glasses wouldn't fit her face correctly in the future.
Fortunately there is a remedy. She had an appointment with a company that specializes in correcting head shape, called Cranial Technologies. They've patented a treatment called the D.O.C. Band, which looks sort of like a helmet as pictured here:
To help you understand, I've lifted some language from their website:
The DOC Band®, a 6-oz device, consists of an outer plastic shell with a foam lining. Mild pressures are applied to capture the growth of an infant's head, holding growth in the prominent areas and encouraging it in the flat regions. Adjustments are made to the band weekly or bi-weekly. Length of treatment depends on the age of the infant and severity of the condition. Because no two heads are identical, each patient's treatment is customized.
During Isabelle's appointment, the specialists confirmed that she has both plagiocephaly and neck tightness. They're going to call our insurance company Monday to start the authorization process, and said in their experience the insurance company will usually approve the treatment after the baby has gone through physical therapy to help increase neck strength and range of motion. We've actually been waiting for Isabelle's PT to be approved for about two weeks, and should be able to start soon.
Once approved, Isabelle well have to wear the band for approximately two or two-and-a-half months, for 23 hours a day. She'll also have weekly appointments to monitor her progress and readjust the band.
The DOC Band®, a 6-oz device, consists of an outer plastic shell with a foam lining. Mild pressures are applied to capture the growth of an infant's head, holding growth in the prominent areas and encouraging it in the flat regions. Adjustments are made to the band weekly or bi-weekly. Length of treatment depends on the age of the infant and severity of the condition. Because no two heads are identical, each patient's treatment is customized.
During Isabelle's appointment, the specialists confirmed that she has both plagiocephaly and neck tightness. They're going to call our insurance company Monday to start the authorization process, and said in their experience the insurance company will usually approve the treatment after the baby has gone through physical therapy to help increase neck strength and range of motion. We've actually been waiting for Isabelle's PT to be approved for about two weeks, and should be able to start soon.
Once approved, Isabelle well have to wear the band for approximately two or two-and-a-half months, for 23 hours a day. She'll also have weekly appointments to monitor her progress and readjust the band.
So for those of you who meet Isabelle during the months that she's in treatment, don't be alarmed! It's essentially a cosmetic procedure, there is nothing medically wrong.
5 comments:
This is so crazy. You are my second friend this week to have their child diagnosed with Plagiocephaly. My sophomore year roommate's son was fitted for his helmet this week. She says that she will be getting flame stickers for it, so that he looks like an "extreme" baby.
It seems like you are handing this all really well and reasonably. I love getting updates, and can't wait to see your sweet extreme baby in her band too. It means that things are getting "fixed".
I am also planning to add some flair to her helmet - lots of pink and girly stickers so she looks tough but feminine ;-)
Hey there... michele told me about you. My son Teddy was fitted for his helmet this week. I have a blog too - we can compare helmet flair once they both have them :)
Oh and by they way, your daughter is adorable.
I remember writing about how osteopathy/OMM could help babies with plagiocehpaly back in the Metro days. Maybe if the band doesn't help, she can meet John Crosby for some extra help!:) In all seriousness, I'm glad there's a solution for Miss Isabelle:) I will have to send her some Hello Kitty stickers to adorn her band.
Thank you for sharing this info ~ I'm glad to know that it is a cosmetic procedure and nothing is medically wrong with little Miss Isabelle! I think a helmet will only add to her already apparent sense of style!!
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