CONSEQUENCES OF PLAGIOCEPHALY AND OTHER DEFORMITIES

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DISORDERS OF THE FACIAL SKELETON SHAPE

 

The deformities result in visible facial asymmetries, e.g.:

  • one eye seems to be larger than the other (protruding)
  • eyes and ears position is asymmetrical (one is more protruding than the other)
  • the forehead may be bigger on one side
  • the cheek looks fuller on one side
  • sinuses may be asymmetrical
  • jaw may be asymmetrical (it may need dental braces in the future)

 

ANATOMICAL DISORDERS

 

The asymmetry of the skull can change the anatomy of skull structures.
Such changes of shape and size may affect among others:the brain, the eyes, the cheekbones, the sinuses, the forehead, the position of ears, jaw, and nose. Problem with chewing, eating, and seeing may occur as well.

MOVEMENT AND COGNITIVE DISORDERS RELATED TO PLAGIOCEPHALY

 

The recent research concerning infants has proved that children with positional plagiocephaly have weaker results in observatory tests on the motor and cognitive development. The team of researchers was managed by Matthew L. Speltz, a clinical psychologist from a research centre in Seattle.The early neurodevelopmental disorders were particularly visible during the motor skills tests.However, the researchers have admitted that this can be also a reverse relationship. Children who move less may have a tendency to stay in one position for a long time. Nevertheless, it must be remembered that no matter what consequences plagiocephaly may bring, according to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, sleeping with the face up is the safest position for infants. 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).

 

 

CHILDREN WITH PLAGIOCEPHALY: MENTAL DISORDERS

 

It is worth remembering that children with face deformities caused by plagiocephaly may suffer from mental disorders, especially when they become aware of their appearance. This problem is likely to turn up during adolescence.