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Our cranial remolding specialists provide helmet therapy for Deformational Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly and some other types of Craniosynostosis.
Deformational (or Positional) Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly, otherwise known as flat-head syndrome is a highly treatable condition which has become much more common in the last few decades. Deformational Plagiocephaly refers to the the misshapen (asymmetrical) head from repeated pressure to the same area of the head, while Brachycephaly is characterized by the disproportionate shortness of the head which can present with a flatness on the back of the skull. Some link it to the back-to-sleep program promoted by The American Academy of Pediatrics which has drastically reduced the incidence of SIDS but seems to have caused a rise in Torticollis and Plagiocephaly/Brachycephaly. Head flattening can be prevented through Tummy Time and avoiding long stretches of time in car seats, bouncers, swings, and carriers. Many times your baby’s head shape can correct itself through conservative treatments such as repositioning and physical therapy. In severe cases, though, repositioning and physical therapy might not be enough. The good news is, when caught early enough, even severe cases are highly correctable through a combination of PT and helmet therapy.
To improve your chances and promote the best outcome, you should have your child evaluated by one of our cranial specialists as soon as possible. We believe in recommending conservative treatment methods first and work in coordination with your therapist and physician, so you can be rest assured that we will only recommend a helmet if it is absolutely neccesary. Also, all evaluations are at no-cost, and even if we have to see your baby a few times for comparative measurements, we DO NOT charge for any of your visits.
There are clinical measurements that are either taken by hand or by using a 3d scanner to determine the severity of your baby’s flat spot and head shape assymetry. Two measurement scales we commonly use are the Cephalic Index (CI) and the Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI) that measures CVA percentage differences to compare the child’s head shape as the child grows. Once the CI and CVAI are determined, your baby’s treatment protocol will be discussed along with recommendations and insurance verifications.
If a Cranial Remolding Orthosis is neccesary, your insurance will usually require a prior authorization and/or specific documentation from your Physician and Physical Therapist to determine medical neccessity coverage under your plan. Our intake coordinators and insurance experts are here to assist you in any way possible to make sure you can access your coverage benefits for your baby’s helmet.
Come see why the Presque Isle team has been the first choice for pediatric orthotic care for over 4 decades!
Give us a call at 888-838-0099 or send us a message!