It could be so much worse than torticollis and a flat head.
Torticollis is a condition in which the head becomes persistently turned to one side, often associated with painful muscle spasms. We noticed right away that Max was always looking left. I think my husband mentioned it the day we got home from the hospital. Our pediatrician didn't think torticollis was the issue but we quickly realized that indeed it was.
Because of the constant left tilt, Max has a flat spot. Plagiocephaly is the fancy term for it. The good news is that plagiocephaly is a very common, very treatable disorder. While it causes flattened appearance in a baby's head, plagiocephaly has no known medical repercussions. This is purely cosmetic and can be fixed with a helmet.
Physical therapy has been a success. The torticollis is almost completely cured. Max looks right! He tracks toys and seems to move his neck and head around freely. The flat head however is not corrected. We just recently had him measured. He didn't mind at all.
Just because it is treatable doesn't mean this has been easy. This has been an emotional roller coaster that I am finally feeling at ease about. I don't think any Mama wants their child in a helmet for twenty three and a half hours a day for months but that is the decision we have made.
Max's measurements were off the chart. He has extreme brachycephaly. We knew his head was bad, but I was still thinking mild to moderate. It was so hard to hold back the tears at the Prosthetics and Orthotics office but again, it could be so much worse than this. I am so incredibly blessed to have a healthy baby boy. Even with a funny shaped head, he is so cute! We go back for a helmet fitting in about a month and then it takes a week to make the helmet. I cannot wait for this guy to get in that helmet and for his head shape to be normal.
Poor Max! Glad the physical therapy has helped and he's doing better! Do you follow Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom? Jess just had to get her daughter a helmet and they've seen improvement already! Check out her blog: http://secretsofasahmom.blogspot.com/.
ReplyDeleteThanks for recommending me Leslie!! Love ya girl! :)
DeleteYes! Thank you!
DeleteHave no fear Momma! It will get better! Emmy was only moderate but they wanted her to wear a helmet and after 10 days we saw improvement. We are 5 weeks into her having her doc band and each appt she has showed geowth and improvement.
ReplyDeleteDang it, I hit publish! :) I know exactly the stress, shame, sadness and every other emotion you are feeling. I felt it too. But I quickly realized that it's what's best, she doesn't mind her band at all, her brother thinks it's so cool he wears a football helmet out to stores, and I've become a part of a small group of people who understand. I am stopped daily by at least 2 people to tell me their story and comment on how cute she is. It's amazing how many people go through it with their little ones. I feel blessed to have a healthy baby and although this band has had to happen she's been a rockstar and so will max!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is all so good to hear. I am so ready to get the band and get it over with. I am so anxious to see results. They keep saying it is going to work but until I see it, it is hard to believe.
DeleteMy son had Torticollis too! I am sorry you are feeling stressed out over all this, I can only imagine! Your sweet boy will rock his helmet, and his treatment will be over before you know it!
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