Positional plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, commonly known as flat head syndrome, are conditions where an infant's skull becomes flattened in shape during the first few months of life. They are caused by infants spending excessive time in car seats or on their backs. A custom orthotic helmet can be fitted to gently remold the skull into a normal shape while allowing for growth. The treatment process involves assessment, measurements, casting, fitting, follow-ups and adjustments to ensure proper shaping as the infant's head develops. The goal is to correct any deformity and prevent further flattening, without affecting brain development.

1. Cranial Remolding
Custom helmets for infants with
Positional Plagiocephaly or Brachycephaly
(Flat head syndrome)
Melanie Chan BASc CO(c) Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd.
Linda Laakso MSc CO(c) FCBC 4120 Ridgeway Drive, Unit 24 Mississauga, ON
www.customorthotic.ca

2. • What is Positional Plagiocephaly?
• What is Brachycephaly?
• Why do infants develop irregularly shaped heads?
• Goals of orthotic treatment
• Orthotic treatment
• Treatment Process
Overview

3. Positional Plagiocephaly is the term that is used for a
change in the shape of an infant’s skull in the
first few months of life. It is usually an
asymmetric flattening to one side of the
back of the head. Sometimes there may be a
prominence at the top or front of the head. It is often
called “flat head syndrome”.
It does not affect brain development.
What is Positional Plagiocephaly?

4. Brachycephaly is the term that is used for a change in
the shape of an infant’s skull in the first few
months of life characterized by a flattening
of the back of the head. The head will appear
wider than usual.
It does not affect brain development.
What is Brachycephaly?

5. • “Back to sleep”
• More time in car seats
• More multiple births
• More premature births
Why do some infants have irregularly shaped heads?

6. • Tummy time
• Positional changes (less time in car seats)
• Physiotherapy (if there is torticollis*)
• Custom helmet
*Torticollis is sometimes called “wry neck” and is a condition where there is an
imbalance in the muscles of the neck that cause the head to tip to one side.
Treatments

7. Goals of Orthotic Intervention
• Remold skull while it is growing
• Prevent further deformity

8. Orthotic Treatment
• Custom helmet (cranial remolding orthosis)

9. Treatment Process
• Assessment
• Measurements
• Pictures
• Casting
• Fitting
• Follow-up
• Measurements
• Pictures

10. Follow-up
• Follow-up appointments are essential to
provide ongoing adjustments as the infant’s
head grows and changes

11. Questions?
www.customorthotic.ca
inquiries@customorthotic.ca
905-828-2969