How is positional plagiocephaly diagnosed?

Positional plagiocephaly can mostly be diagnosed clinically and by physical examinations. The simplest way to assess the severity of plagiocephaly is to use a diagonal caliper during physical examination, which measures the difference between the diagonal lengths on each side of the head.

Is plagiocephaly curable?

Fortunately, positional plagiocephaly is both preventable and treatable with simple caregiving measures, however, early education and treatment is critical.

How can you tell the difference between plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis?

In craniosynostosis, the anterior fontanel (af) may be open or closed. all options to be offered. In positional plagiocephaly, the skull sutures are not fused. This head shape deformation, typically of the back of the head, is caused by repeated pressure to the same area.

Does plagiocephaly often correct itself?

Plagiocephaly can correct itself without the need for treatment as long as the deformity is mild and it is detected at the earliest opportunity. When your baby is around 8 weeks old, you may notice that they have started to develop a flattening on the head.

What to know about positional plagiocephaly?

As its name suggests, positional plagiocephaly is a deformity of the skull which is mainly caused by a baby lying with the head in one position for too long during the early stages of infancy. As babies cannot support themselves during the first few months of life, they tend to lie on their backs and develop a positional preference (a position in which they feel the most comfortable).

What does plagiocephaly, nonsynostotic mean?

U.S. National Library of Medicine(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic A deformity of the SKULL that is not due to bone fusion (SYNOSTOSIS), such as CRANIOSYNOSTOSES, and is characterized by an asymmetric skull and face.