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CONSEQUENCES OF PLAGIOCEPHALY AND OTHER DEFORMITIES

Home>CONSEQUENCES OF PLAGIOCEPHALY AND OTHER DEFORMITIES

CRANIOFACIAL DEFORMITIES

 

Deformities may be associated with visible facial asymmetry, including:

  • one eye may appear larger than the other (more prominent)
  • the eyes and ears may be positioned asymmetrically (one side may be more prominent than the other)
  • the forehead may be more prominent on one side
  • one cheek may appear fuller
  • the sinuses may be asymmetrical
  • the jaw may be unevenly positioned (orthodontic correction may be required in the future)

 

ANATOMICAL ABNORMALITIES

 

Skull asymmetry may alter the anatomy of the structures contained within the skull.

Such changes in shape and size may affect, among others, the brain, eyes, cheekbones, sinuses, forehead, position of the ears, jaw and nose. Problems with chewing, eating and vision may also occur.

MOTOR AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH PLAGIOCEPHALY

 

Recent studies conducted among infants show that children with positional plagiocephaly achieve poorer results in observational tests used to assess motor and cognitive development. The research team was led by Dr Matthew L. Speltz, a clinical psychologist at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

Early neurodevelopmental differences were most evident in motor skills testing. However, the researchers do not rule out the possibility of a reverse relationship. Children who move less may tend to remain in one position for longer periods.

Nevertheless, regardless of any consequences associated with positional plagiocephaly, according to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the safest sleeping position for infants is on their backs. The supine position effectively reduces the risk of SIDS.

 

(source: Matthew L. Speltz et al. Case-Control Study of Neurodevelopment in Deformational Plagiocephaly. Pediatrics, February 15, 2010).

 

PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN WITH HEAD DEFORMITIES

 

It is also worth considering the possibility of psychological problems in children with facial deformities caused by plagiocephaly, particularly when children become aware of their appearance. This problem may become especially relevant during adolescence.