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Misshapen head in adults7/3/2023 ![]() ![]() Simple developmental milestones should be met (within the normal variation). Thus, given there is a link, but the direction is to be determined, we make the recommendation that children with flat head be assessed for developmental delays. The second and third most common delays were observed in language and cognition (such as speaking or understanding one’s own name).Īlthough we sought to address whether flat head leads to delays, or whether delays are causing flat head, none of the studies conducted to date are able to answer this question. For children with flat head, delays were observed most commonly in the motor domain, controlling muscular activities such as walking (gross motor) and holding a spoon (fine motor). Delay can occur in one or multiple areas of development known as domains. Our review shows flat head syndrome is a marker of developmental delay. There were 19 studies that met our strict quality criteria, in which the children’s ages ranged from three months to ten years. With the need for rigorous information on whether flat head syndrome leads to developmental delay, we reviewed existing medical literature to inform clinicians and parents on the state of knowledge in this area. This campaign saved lives, and continues to do so. It’s become more common since 1992, when the SIDS safe sleeping campaign Back to Sleep (now known as Safe to Sleep) began. The syndrome develops because of external pressures to the soft, malleable baby skull. It can be present at birth or develop over time, up to about the 18 month mark when the baby’s skull bones are harder and fixed in place. It’s typically noticed by the parent up to the fourth month of age. In severe cases it can affect the alignment of the ears, eyes and jaw. What is flat head syndrome and why does it develop?įlat head syndrome presents as a flattened area on the back or side of a baby’s head. We make the recommendation that children with flat head be assessed for developmental delays. Our review published this week shows that while not all children displaying a flat head will experience developmental problems, the syndrome can be used as a marker of potential developmental delay. While one in five children are affected by flat head syndrome, parents receive mixed messages about whether it has an impact on development, and clinicians don’t have good evidence to allay fears. It is more common now that babies sleep on their backs, as recommended by SIDS safety guidelines. Flat head syndrome, also called positional plagiocephaly, develops in babies because of external pressures on the soft, malleable baby skull. ![]()
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