What is Plagiocephaly?

What is PLAGIOCEPHALY? In this video, I aim to provide a little bit more information about this condition (specifically positional or deformational plagiocephaly) and my chiropractic viewpoint of how it comes about.
Do you have a question? I would love to answer it. You can send your questions to me by leaving a comment or via email at [e-mail].
I look forward to your questions!

[@tudormiller887]

I have this condition, as an adult it really sucks. If only my mum had seen the early signs when I was a toddler and put me to sleep on my stomach more often then my life would've been different. I only found out about this condition today via Google. I've had to suffer years of abuse and ridicule by total strangers regarding my misshapen head, even now in my 40s.

[@GOODNESS10]

i am 24,,same situation... it almost ruined my life... i was bullied at my school.😢😢.. at my home.😢😢... by my friends😢😢.... those strangers look when i go outside 😢😢i always think how good it woud been if i wasn't born.... my life with out this disorder would been different... i have severe body shame... no confidence... feeling sad everytime,, scare of going out of home,, 😢😢😢 it can be corrected through surgery but that is too expensive i can't afford that even i my dream 😢😢😢😢😢 we are born once and if that sucks like this then what is the use.. i just feel suicidal everytime..... thanks to my parent for giving this to me 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@julian_8086]

I'm 16, I knew that I had a flat back since I was 14, I'm currently hiding it with the hair but sometimes I just wanna go bald but I remember that I have a really flat head which really makes me feel bad, I dont even sleep comfortly otherwise the hair on the back of my head becomes flat and you would easily see my head shape, so I got used to sleeping on my stomach. This really affects self confidence and sometimes, in class, I just keep staring at my classmates headshapes and say in my head how much I would like to have one just like their. I am sorry if I bored you, I just really wanted to talk about this with someone. Anyways, have a good day

[@GOODNESS10]

i am 24,,,same situation... it almost ruined my life😢😢... i was bullied at my school😢😢... at my home.... by my friends....😢 strangers stares kills me inside 😢😢 i always think how good it woud been if i wasn't born😢😢.... my life with out this disorder would been different... i have severe body shame... no confidence😢😢... feeling sad everytime,, scare of going out of home,, 😢😢😢 it can be corrected through surgery but that is too expensive i can't afford that even i my dream 😢😢😢😢😢

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi there sOLO, I'm sorry to hear about your story. It is not easy when you feel that something like this - that you had no choice in the matter - can have such a negative impact on your life. Depending on what you have going on (plagiocephaly or a different condition) there may be alternatives to surgery available to you. Look into cranial therapy, or craniosacral therapy, as some research has shown benefit, but your age may be the limiting factor. I wish you all the best for your future. Christian

[@Ruffian144]

Adults with this problem should look up 'skull reshaping'

[@AskDrChristian]

Thank you!!

[@tudormiller887]

Is it expensive. What are the short term after affects of skull surgery ?

[@guilhermesmonteiro7344]

Do you adult guys with plagyocephaly have muscle pain all over the body? It started happing with me around 30 years old?

[@elleubay]

Hi Doc! My curiosity brought me here, I have a flat head syndrome (Plagiocephaly) I always have a headache on the flat back part whenever I lay down I'm adult now, is it possible to fix it? Or to reform?

[@AskDrChristian]

Great question. In adults, I would imagine the change to shape to be very minimal, but if you get headaches when laying flat it suggests to me that there is overaction of the group of muscle at the base of your skull. Have you had any manual therapy (chiro/osteo/physio) style work done on it?

[@elleubay]

@@AskDrChristian I haven't performed any of those you were mentioned Doc, and sometimes the headache is overwhelming that most of the time makes me sleep on a sitting position

[@AskDrChristian]

Now that certainly raises my concerns. The plagio itself isn't typically a pain-producing process, it is usually the result of something else. In our research, we found a high association with restrictions in neck motion, and this was also seen in other studies. What I'm inferring is that I think the something else that is going on may be a contributor to your headaches, and headaches alone are worth further investigation especially if you are finding them so bad. I have no idea where in the world you are, but in Australia I'd be going to a health professional (GP/physio/osteo/chiro/etc) and getting a proper assessment! It will be more effective than me trying to solve your case like this!

[@elleubay]

@@AskDrChristian Hello Doc, Thank you so much for all of the information you've provided... I do appreciate that, I'll seek professional help right away to address my concern... Anyways thank you for this informative KZbin channel 💜❤️

[@mrmoon1482]

My head looks like it’s been hit with a shovel at the back, I’m 49yrs old and only recently found out I have this condition after having my hair shaved off and my partner was like 👀 lol, I’ve lived with it for all of my life and didn’t even notice so it’s not something I’m worried about 🙂

[@AskDrChristian]

Ah yes it can be quite a surprise when you realise! To be fair, only 30-40% show signs of developmental delay, and you might be in the 60-70% that does not. HOWEVER! Over 90% are associated with restrictions in neck motion. At 49YO, I wonder what the condition of your neck is like - and could it have been better? Food for thought! Thanks very much for the comment, and have a wonderful day :) Christian

[@tudormiller887]

Same! I only found out about this condition today. I don't read or hear about it anywhere. I haven't read about any celebrities or their children living with this condition either.

[@nikolassaul1062]

Hi I'm 22 with moderate plagiocephaly. I had double jaw surgery and it fixed my lower asymmetry but there is still some asymmetry in my eyes and mostly my brow. Will the asymmetry caused by my plagiocephaly worsen with age? And how common is it to be an adult with moderate untreated plagiocephaly?

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi Nikolas, Thank you for your comment. Once we get past the age of around 6 months old, the rate of change in the skull slows down quite a bit so I would be surprised to see a big change over time. If you are concerned, you can have it measured (some do fancy 3D scans, some just use calipers) and see how it changes over the course of a couple of months. If this is worsening, then you may need to consult with someone as there is a mechanism at play that is causing that worsening. As for how common it is in adults, I'm not precisely sure! You would need to ask an orthotist or orthopaedic surgeon for that data - I focus on the kid side of things!

[@hutzan2498]

how are you today

[@NeutralDude]

Hi doc, is there any possible that our skull can be soft to deform? and what it could be cause and its treatment?

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi there @neutraldude - there sure are conditions that can cause deformation! One is craniotabes; often the result of inadequate vitamin D but can be due to a bunch of different factors. Its very difficult to go into specifics for treatment because there are a wide variety of conditions that may have very different treatment requirements!

[@violetalokaj7195]

Hi Doc. Im just here to ask you something, i have Plagiocephaly and im 15 years old. Can i fix my back head shape by doing exercises or do i need to do a surgery. Have a nice day.

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi Violeta - thanks for your comment. At 15 years old, I feel that changes with exercises/therapy will be slow at best, however they may be able to provide some improvement depending on what caused your plagio to begin with. If anything, they may help to reduce any chances of worsening. A lot of the cases I see with plagio are coming in at under 12 months of age, and even then some cases are slow to improve. As for the surgery side of things, sorry to say but this lies outside of my knowledge! I know it can be done, but the question would be whether it needs to be done. Happy to chat further if you would like, and if you would rather do so privately my email is [e-mail]

[@quocviet9305]

violeta, I have the same case as you, do you wanna talk ?

[@quocviet9305]

i also have the same age as you

[@ryderplayedyou4963]

@@quocviet9305 same I’m 15 my right side of the head is flatter than the other. I have curly hair so it covers my head. My chin kind of turns to one side. My cheek is a lip bit bigger than the other. And the 2 sides of my head are different shapes.

[@Scamgodtron]

@@ryderplayedyou4963 you just described me

[@jxvzv9825]

Doctor, when I turn my head back, my forehead is not equal, and I notice this when I take a selfie and my confidence in myself has decreased because of this. What can I do to treat it, I see that most cases are with the jaw or eyes and eyebrows, but I am afraid to be alone, I am sorry my English is not good but I hope that you will answer me and give me a remedy. I hope that you have understood my problem, please repeat

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi there and thank you for your question. I understand your concern, there is a bit of a tilt to your forehead when looking up? If you are a teenage/adult I'm sorry but its likely to be a slow process. You might be able to get some work on your skull itself, but if you aren't a baby, I cannot say if it will fix it or not. If it is something that is concerning you, it might be good to seek some face-to-face advice where they can look and see what is causing it as well. All the best, Christian

[@13universalsoldier]

Doctor does it affect the IQ of a person And wat cud be an average head circumference for an adult male

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi there Jasmir, Head shape and IQ are an interesting combination. Current research suggests that having a change to normal head shape MAY increase the RISK of "cognitive development", which one test we measure as adults is the IQ. So in a sense, the head shape itself doesn't affect the IQ but the thing that caused the head shape problem may have a negative impact on brain developement as well. As for average adult male head circumference - I have no idea! I work with kids! I'm sure that Google would have some answers for you on that one :)

[@nasreenakhuda]

Dr im 18 years and i lay on my back while watching phone on the floor for longer periods of time. In a day like 10 hours a day daily i lay on my back on floor.Will it not make my head flatter? Pls reply

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi there Saheem, By 18 year of age, your head will have done most of its developing, so the risk of becoming flat reduces somewhat. Of more concern with your statement is WHY ARE YOU LAYING ON YOUR BACK WATCHING YOUR PHONE FOR 10 HOURS A DAY????

[@nasreenakhuda]

@@AskDrChristian Dr i dont lay on back in floor continuously for 10 hours,, means some gap like 2 hours ,like 1-2 hours I'll be laying on back..so in a day totally it becomes 10 hours i lay on my back, not "CONTINUOUSLY" 10 hours. I do this in order to improve my posture.. so can i lay on back for many hours a day i want? Will it not make my head flatter? Pls reply

[@AskDrChristian]

OH!! Thank you for clarifying that Saheem - I was a bit concerned that you were just laying there all day! So because you are getting up and moving every now and then, its even less likely that your head will change shape from this. But as for laying on your back for posture, what are you trying to achieve? If you are hunching forwards a lot, then you need to activate your back muscles to help keep you upright. Laying on your back alone I doubt would be sufficient to improve this posture.

[@user-sk6iv5ww6d]

سيدي ارجوك اتوسل ليك ساعدني طفلي براس مسطح وانا اتعذب من العراق

[@IDK-oc3xo]

Can it only be reshaped with surgery?

[@AskDrChristian]

Great question! This really depends on age. Under 3 months of age, I see very rapid changes - especially if that soft spot at the front of the head is still patent. After 6 months of age, it starts to slow down but can still be improved. This is done in two ways; directly working on the skull shape itself with various techniques, or indirectly by aiding normal range of motion and allowing the head to re-shape with time and proper use. So short answer, no, there are other ways aside from surgery to help head shape.

[@jes6532]

Hi doc i have plagiocephaly and my age now is 16. Doc is it possible to treat this even tho i'm 16? Please doc answer me i need answer.

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi there! At 16, I'm sure you could treat it but I can't say how much cosmetic improvement you would see. You would need to chat to a health professional for more information!

[@Ruffian144]

Look up 'skull reshaping'. This procedure is done on adults & has good results in improving appearance.

[@Thebluewidesky]

Je s, Do you have a big or dominance spot at one side of your head like mine?

[@ryderplayedyou4963]

Can’t people just get a skull implant on the area that is flat?

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi Sinx, thanks for the comment. I'm sure you could for cosmetic purposes but one of the big Q's is what caused it in the first place. Has that been resolved? As for the implants themselves, this is something I am not familiar with!

[@ryderplayedyou4963]

@@AskDrChristian oh the right side of my head is flatter than the left. Caused when I was a baby.

[@hellodear7705]

Hlo sir 19 month kid can be treated plagiocephly

[@AskDrChristian]

They can, but the question is how effective that treatment may be. After 6 months, its a bit slower in response, but it may still be worthwhile getting an assessment.

[@hellodear7705]

@@AskDrChristian which treatment should i follow?

[@AskDrChristian]

This really depends on what is going on. Without an assessment, its difficult to provide you with appropriate actions. Sorry! Best bet is to talk to your local health professional/musculoskeletal expert.

[@saff6155]

Hello dear How is your kid now?

[@ammarguled2108]

Hi doctor I’m 12 with a young age and I’m wondering if there is a way without surgery to fix my plagiocephaly

[@AskDrChristian]

Hi Ammar, Thanks for reaching out. I'm sorry to say this but while you are young, the majority of of your head growth is almost done, and this means the changes we would want to make would be incredibly slow. In babies, you can make them lay on their back in a certain way and they stay there for a decent length of time. At 12, do you think you can lay in the same spot overnight? Your brain will move you around pretty much as soon as you fall asleep. Your best option is to talk to a health professional, see what is going on, and figure out the best process from there. All the best, Christian