When it comes to the protection of potential head issues and injuries, parents don’t waste any time doing what’s best for their children and teenagers – babies can develop deformational plagiocephaly (flat areas of the head); teenagers can easily experience a concussion, repeated concussion, or even head trauma potentially caused by sports, active lifestyles, and accidents.
Deformational Plagiocephaly
Infant plagiocephaly occurs when developing babies continually hold their head in a preferred position without turning their head. The weight of the head provides pressure that causes flat areas. Sleeping on their backs, which is recommended by pediatricians to help prevent SIDS, can contribute to plagiocephaly. Additionally, when an infant is placed in a swing or car seat, their head automatically moves to the preferred position, which may also cause a flattened appearance of the head.
Early detection and treatment are the best ways to prevent plagiocephaly. Healthcare providers also make sure there are no other underlying issues that may be causing it. However, once it occurs, many useful exercises and procedures can be utilized to correct it. For example, one of the main treatments is to keep infants on their stomachs (“tummy time”) and provide activities that keep them off of the flattened side of their head. Done regularly, this can prevent and correct plagiocephaly. It also helps correct and prevent Torticollis, which is the tightness of the neck preventing an infant from fully turning to one side.
Plagiocephaly issues usually don’t show up until the third or fourth month and, with active treatment, can be corrected. However, if the problems persist by the sixth or seventh month, then a helmet may be needed. The helmet is worn 24-hours of the day and helps guide proper head growth – it does not change the shape of a child’s head. On rare occasions, a pediatrician may need to make a medical diagnosis to correct the problems medically.
Teenage Concussion
Regarding concussions, the best course of action is to do everything possible to prevent them by ensuring teenagers wear safety helmets and equipment for sports participation and in other activities, such as riding a bike or scooter. Teenagers are active people, and the chances for a concussion or repeated concussion are genuine.
The movement of the brain causes a concussion. It’s important to remember this – helmets can’t always prevent that movement.
When it’s related to sports, often one of the most important things to remember is that it may be most advantageous for sports participants to spend more time off the field following a head bump or injury to ensure there isn’t a delayed concussion reaction. It also allows retesting following a concussion to eliminate changes in physical ability or behavioral changes.
The diagnosis and treatment of concussion are vital since a concussion can lead to behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and other areas of concern even if the teenager appears excellent physically. There are concussion specialists and clinics that can help families make these diagnoses for post-concussion syndrome.
Finally, if an individual has had multiple concussions or is prone to a concussion, there may be a need to look at their way and level of play for potential changes.
Concussions are serious matters, and people should always remember to have a physician check and make a medical diagnosis for a line of treatment.
Additional Information
For more information, listen to the RMUpload podcast, Positional Plagiocephaly (flat areas of the head) and Pediatric Concussion Prevention.
For additional information on the pediatric education opportunities at RMUoHP, visit:
- Pediatrics Institute
- Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (Pediatric Science Track)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (Pediatric Science Track)
Guest blog by Ann M. Hoffman, PT, DScPT, PCS (Faculty, Doctor of Physical Therapy)
