Dent on the head of a newborn

Dent on a child's skull

Many young mothers are very worried if they notice that their newborn’s head is uneven.

Lack of experience gives rise to fear and uncertainty: what if something is wrong with the child? However, experts are in a hurry to reassure. In most cases, an uneven head in a baby is normal.

There are only a few cases where an uneven head reports problems. For example, a child may have a hematoma.

More details

Not only the mother’s body prepares for childbirth. The child also internally prepares for such a process. The baby's skull remains soft until birth. This makes it easier for the mother to pass through the narrow birth canal. This was how nature intended. This is why babies whose mothers give birth themselves have a slightly uneven or large head.

The reason is a slight deformation of the skull: at birth, the flat head stretches out and takes on an uneven, elongated shape. There is no pathology in this, so you can calm down. There are no special rules provided here.

At birth, a baby’s skull is always slightly deformed: even if it wasn’t like that right away, changes may appear later. However, after some time, the skull will acquire a normal shape, the asymmetry will be restored, and changes in circumference will no longer be noticeable. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much about this.

The head does not take its final shape immediately. For some, the features of the head circumference are formed only by school age.

Usually the skull becomes round and even by one year or a little later.

Changes

However, sometimes a flat head takes on a completely unnatural shape. Sometimes the reason for this is a hematoma, but the position of the child also matters. For example, a child has a very sloping head. This happens not at birth, but after childbirth: the head becomes flattened, uneven, large, and sometimes its girth does not correspond to the norm.

If the back of the baby's head is very elongated or slanted, the cause is most often the incorrect position of the child. He can remain in a lying position for a long time, which leads to such changes. Usually in such cases, children turn and tilt their head to one side.

It is dangerous to constantly place your baby on his back. This position is not always harmless, since the baby can spit up and choke, sometimes even choke. What to do? It is recommended to place babies on their side, but change sides. This will help avoid changes and deformations of the skull.

Children always turn their heads towards something interesting: there may be a mother or a rattle. If the crib is located against a wall, the baby will only have to turn in one direction. This can also cause disturbances and deformation of the skull. A sloping nape may also appear.

The bones of the skull remain soft in the first months of life: this protects it from injury and helps brain development.

Special areas - fontanelles - are soft tissue, the cells of which are very elastic. While the fontanelles are open, the shape of the head may change. For example, it may become flat, or the back of the head may become skewed to one side. This means that the child has been lying on his back for a long time.

Violations

Many young mothers worry when they notice irregularities and irregularities in the circumference of the baby’s head. But pediatricians and doctors reassure: as soon as the child stops lying down and starts sitting up, the situation will change. This usually happens when the baby spends more time in an upright position. Already at 2-3 months the skull begins to straighten, changes in circumference disappear.

However, sometimes deformation of the circle is a sign that the asymmetry is broken. This happens for various reasons: the baby lacks vitamins, diseases appear and begin to manifest themselves. For example, rickets, which is common in children, often manifests itself this way.

If a baby has rickets, his bones do not strengthen due to lack of calcium, develop poorly, and grow poorly. The fontanelles do not overgrow, so the baby’s head remains soft for a long time, and the skull is subject to changes. Usually in such situations, doctors advise being with the baby in the fresh air more often, and also giving him vitamin D and calcium.

If the baby begins to turn his head only in one direction, his neck may be crooked. It doesn’t matter whether the child is lying down or in his arms. In this case, you should definitely contact a specialist.

A doctor’s consultation will also be required in another case: if the fontanelles quickly overgrow. Intracranial pressure may occur, leading to serious problems.

What to do in this case? An experienced doctor will immediately identify violations of the circumference and girth of the head. But it is better to carry out routine examinations with a neurologist and surgeon. This will allow you to identify problems at the first stage.

A hematoma deserves special attention. It is an accumulation of blood or fluid in areas where soft tissue cells rupture. It usually happens right under the skin or near the skull. Why does a hematoma occur? If the child was large and walked heavily, he had to “pave” his way. This causes damage such as a hematoma.

A hematoma can also appear in another case: if the mother had a cesarean section. The baby moves from one environment to another, and this happens abruptly. Tissue cells cannot immediately adapt to the new environment, which is why a hematoma forms. For a child, this phenomenon is stress. If the hematoma becomes larger than normal, this is a bad sign.

Hematoma often appears in premature babies. Sometimes it is the cause of curvature of the circumference and incorrect girth of the skull. The hematoma may resolve on its own, but medical intervention may be required. In any case, you must first conduct a diagnosis and identify the type of hematoma, especially if it is large. This is out of the norm.

How to align the head

A sloping and irregular back of the head, a flat head, a convex forehead, irregular asymmetry - all these situations are not always a cause for concern. But only a doctor can determine the cause. If the case is dangerous, they may prescribe an additional examination and collect tests. In any case, you should first consult a doctor to eliminate your own fears.

The child has a dent on his head

anieto2k

After the birth of a child, taking care of his health falls entirely on the shoulders of the parents. Excessive vigilance does not hurt, but sometimes the anxiety is unfounded. For example, a deformation of a child’s head causes parents to worry too much. Is it really worth worrying if your child has a dent in their forehead or other part of their head?

Unevenness on the head of newborns is explained by the softness and mobility of the bones of their skull: this is how nature took care of an unhindered birth. The newborn’s skull retains this property for some time so that the brain develops correctly. The child lies down most of the time, so a dent on the head of a newborn is a completely logical and common occurrence.

Deformation can be eliminated with simple procedures, so there is still no need to worry too much about this. Your first action should be to reduce the time your baby spends lying down. Carry it in your arms, so the baby gets to know the world around him better. When the baby is lying down, turn him over from time to time or at least turn his head.

How to straighten a baby's skull yourself?

Play a game with your child. She is not only funny, but also useful. Take a bright ringing toy and make sounds with it alternately in each baby's ear. It is necessary to ensure that the child turns his head in different directions.

This exercise will help straighten your baby's head. It is also worth gently massaging the baby's head and stroking it. But under no circumstances put pressure on the head to straighten it out - you can cause irreparable harm to the child. If you are not confident in yourself, use the services of a professional children's massage therapist. The cost of such a massage course will not be high.

Pediatricians' opinion

Pediatric doctors agree that dents on the head of a newborn are normal. The shape of the skull is in the genes and will change as the baby grows. This happens at different times for all children. If you are still worried, get examined by a good pediatrician.

Published on September 16, 2014 by Vladimir

tonna.info

Skull deformation causes, methods of diagnosis and treatment

A cranial deformity is an abnormal change in the shape of the head received at birth, or an acquired defect due to trauma, neurological abnormalities, disorders of the brain and other body systems. Occurs more often during unsuccessful childbirth, and can also be a hereditary pathology.

It is a violation of the correct contours of the head with complete or partial destruction of bone tissue. The symptom is accompanied by problems with mental development, damage to internal organs, natural reflexes and body abilities. If signs appear, you should contact a neurologist.

Causes of skull deformation

The medical name for a pathological defect of the skull is craniostenosis. At birth, each person has cartilaginous layers between the bone areas - soft tissues are able to compress so that during labor the child can easily pass out without harm to the mother. Sometimes the cartilage is missing or overgrown before birth, which deforms the skull.

Symptoms of skull deformation:

In newborns, there is a curvature of the head, an irregular shape of the forehead, bulging eyes, strabismus, convulsions and spasms of the facial muscles, distortion of the jaw, cheekbones, and eye sockets.
Adults have the same symptoms, as well as severe headache, insomnia, frequent loss of consciousness, memory impairment, mental retardation, attacks of irritability and sudden aggression.

The causes of the symptom are most often hidden in the state of health of the fetus, the progress of labor or neurological problems:

pathologies of the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy;
genetic predisposition to abnormal bone development;
congenital defects due to maternal infections during pregnancy;
infectious diseases affecting nerve endings;
complications after flu and colds;
bone diseases - osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rickets, omtheomalacia, osteodysplasia, osteodystrophy;
damage to the fibrous cartilaginous sutures of the skull;
diseases of the blood and blood vessels - anemia, leukemia, leukopenia, marble disease;
lesions of the upper bone part of the orbit;
damage to auditory receptors, optic nerve;
disruptions in blood supply and oxygen supply to the brain.

Types of skull deformation

The structure and shape of the head depends on hereditary characteristics, vitamin nutrition and the presence of microelements in the body during bone formation. Any deviations from the norms lead to deformation of bone tissue in different forms, differing in shape and health complications.

Types of deformation of the skull shape

Scaphocephaly. A type of craniostenosis in which the frontal or occipital region protrudes noticeably forward. Full brain development is difficult, but mental disorders are rare.
Brachycephaly. A wide head shape, which is also characterized by a large parietal height, a protrusion of the back of the head and a cut off flat forehead. Occurs during difficult childbirth or as a result of infections in the womb.
Plagiocephaly. Expressed in a flat, laterally flattened skull shape. Oblique features occur if the fetus was large and there was not enough space in the uterus, as well as with regular mechanical stress on one side and, for example, a constant position lying on its side.
Acromegaly. Abnormal enlargement of the bony area of the face due to damage to the pituitary gland and the functioning of the endocrine system. Often accompanied by similar enlargement of the hands or feet. Hormonal imbalances contribute to the slow but progressive development of the defect.
Trigonocephaly. A variant of craniostenosis, in which the temporomandibular zone is greatly enlarged and pushed forward, and the forehead is narrow and pointed. The symptom appears due to early overgrowth of cartilaginous septa.
Dolichocephaly. A long narrow head, noticeably elongated upward, with an equally high forehead. In most cases, it does not cause discomfort and maintains a person’s healthy condition if there are no accompanying negative signs of deviation.
Microcephaly. Head disproportionate to body size with very small skull. It can occur at birth or begin at a more mature age - bones stop growing, which is accompanied by mental development disorders and neurological disorders.

The doctor begins the diagnosis by recording the patient’s complaints and taking an anamnesis, finding out the duration of the symptom and the presence of a defect in genetics. It is also necessary to take into account the health status of the patient’s mother during pregnancy - the course of pregnancy and the progress of labor, the presence of acute infections and viral diseases, the fact of drug or alcohol use.

Other methods for diagnosing cranial deformation:

Examination and palpation to identify neurological abnormalities - defects of the optic nerve and bone tissue, intracranial pressure, compaction of the “fontanelle” in a newborn.
Craniometry - precise measurements of the skull using a special measuring tape.
Hardware techniques. Ultrasound venography of cerebral capillaries, CT and MRI of the brain, ultrasound of internal organs or the fetus in the womb.

You can undergo a reliable diagnosis of cranial deformation in the network of CMRT clinics:

It is possible to cure the pathology only in children at the earliest stage of development of the defect. The brain is fully formed before 2 years of age, which allows surgery to correct the damaged shape. It is also possible to excise cartilage that has fused prematurely.

For adults, deformed bones can be corrected when the first signs appear, so you should immediately contact a specialist to prescribe a course of treatment. In addition to surgery, medications may be prescribed - as a rule, these are hormonal drugs and fortified complexes.

The following treatment methods are used in the network of CMRT clinics:

Consequences

encephalopathy;
microangiopathy;
pathology of the pituitary gland;
mental seizures;
dementia;
strabismus;
epilepsy.

Prevention of skull deformation

Carefully examine the body of future parents when planning a child.
Lead a healthy, active lifestyle before and during conception, as well as during pregnancy.
Visit a geneticist during pregnancy for testing to determine the level of risk for the unborn child.
Adults should avoid dangerous situations that could cause traumatic brain injury.

Diagnostic accuracy and quality service are the main priorities of our work. We value every review our patients leave us.

Panina Valentina Viktorovna

Actress, Honored Artist of the RSFSR

I found out about you on the Internet - I urgently need an MRI.

And after the performance I’m with you. I really liked your staff. Thank you for your attention, kindness and accuracy.

May everything be as good in your soul as I am now, despite all the problems...

Be!!! We're happy! Your Panina V.V.

Open review scan

Array( [ID] => 107 [~ID] => 107 [CODE] => [~CODE] => [XML_ID] => 107 [~XML_ID] => 107 [NAME] => Panina Valentina Viktorovna [~NAME ] => Panina Valentina Viktorovna [TAGS] => [~TAGS] => [SORT] => 100 [~SORT] => 100 [PREVIEW_TEXT] =>

I found out about you on the Internet - I urgently need an MRI.

And after the performance I’m with you. I really liked your staff. Thank you for your attention, kindness and accuracy.

May everything be as good in your soul as I am now, despite all the problems...

Be!!! We're happy! Your Panina V.V.

[~PREVIEW_TEXT] =>

I found out about you on the Internet - I urgently need an MRI.

And after the performance I’m with you. I really liked your staff. Thank you for your attention, kindness and accuracy.

May everything be as good in your soul as I am now, despite all the problems...

Be!!! We're happy! Your Panina V.V.

Skull deformation in children: causes and methods of correction

There is no need to say how much parents worry when they notice any deviations in the development of their baby. Skull deformation in children is a very serious cause for concern for many mothers and fathers.

However, in some cases these experiences are in vain, since the phenomenon is associated with the natural development of the child. However, parents need to monitor the size of the child’s head circumference and cranial deformations.

In some cases, observation will help identify a dangerous pathology at an early stage. So let's deal with all the problems that worry new parents.

Baby's head circumference

In the first 12 months of his life, the baby grows and develops rapidly. The process also applies to the baby’s head - during this period the diameter of his skull should increase by several centimeters!

The greatest activity of this stage is observed in the first half of life. In a one-month-old baby, compared to a newborn, the diameter of the skull will increase by 2 cm! This process slows down only by the 4th month of life.

Parents sometimes think that the fetus has a big head. There is nothing pathogenic or scary about this. The baby's body will acquire the correct proportions only by one year. But at the 15-16th week of life, his chest and head will be completely the same diameter.

What is the normal skull circumference for a newborn?

The normal head circumference of a newborn baby is 35 cm. However, taking into account individual characteristics, the normal diameter of the skull will be in the range of 32-38 cm. Further observation is carried out taking into account the size of the head circumference at birth.

If the indicators are slightly higher than normal, then, accordingly, during subsequent development, a small increase will be normal. If the head size at birth is smaller than standard, then this should be taken into account when analyzing development indicators.

Table with baby head sizes

The table specially compiled by scientists “Child’s head circumference by month” is very helpful here. You can read it in the article. The table not only shows the norm for a certain age, but deviations from it that are not pathological.

However, the table “Child’s head circumference by month” is not able to reflect the individual characteristics of each baby. Therefore, measurements should only be taken by a pediatrician, analyzing the results regarding a specific baby.

Each parent can independently calculate the normal increase in the size of their child’s skull as they grow and develop:

Children 0-6 months have the fastest increase in head diameter. Every month it normally increases by 1.5-2 cm.
It is considered normal for babies 0.5-1 years old to increase their head circumference by 0.5-1 cm every month.

Pathological and non-dangerous deviations in head size

Why is it so important to monitor the increase in the diameter of the baby's head? Sizes that are too small or too large may indicate a serious illness. But deviations are not always pathological in nature. The main reasons are as follows:

Hydrocephalus. This is a pathologically large head in a newborn. A congenital defect that causes dropsy of the brain. It leads to swelling of the baby’s fontanel, an increase in the size of the skull, and a characteristic protrusion of the venous network on the head. The danger of the defect is that it can lead to both serious neurological disorders and death.
Microcephaly. With this pathology, the baby, on the contrary, has a very small head. A closed fontanelle does not allow the skull to expand. Such developmental delay is fraught with a wide range of consequences.
Consequences of birth trauma. One of the common reasons. When passing through the birth canal, the child could touch not only the internal tissues of the mother, but also hit the bones with his head through their thickness. The injury leads to the appearance of edema. In most cases, this effect goes away on its own within 24 hours. But a certain percentage of children require serious treatment. Swelling at some point makes the child's head larger than normal.
Hereditary factor. If most of your family members have a somewhat large or small head, then it is not surprising that the newborn heir will boast of a similar feature. You should warn your pediatrician about this fact.

Let's move on from sizes to skull deformations in children. Experts tell us: an uneven head in a baby is absolutely normal!

The fact is that the fetus’s body, like its mother, is also preparing for the upcoming birth. That is why, until birth, wise nature leaves the bones of the child’s skull soft. This helps him pass through the narrow birth canal more easily.

If a woman gives birth to a baby naturally, his head is normally slightly deformed or enlarged. Children born by caesarean section, as a rule, will not have this feature.

The flat head of infants at birth is somewhat elongated, which leads to deformations of the skull in children and the appearance of small irregularities. There is no need to worry here. In the process of development and growth, the asymmetry will pass, and the irregularities will smooth out.

A child’s head becomes round and even in shape only by one year of age. And the final circumference of the skull in most children is formed only by school age.

Why was the child’s skull deformed?

Skull deformation in infants can occur not only at birth. Sometimes parents notice that during development, the child’s skull has changed unnaturally. What's happened?

Let's look at the most common cases:

Strongly elongated or sloping back of the head. In this case, the head may be uneven, flattened, and its size no longer corresponds to normal. What does this type of skull shape indicate? The problem most often is that the baby is in the same type of lying position for too long. Newborns have the peculiarity of tilting their head to a certain side. This leads to the development of skull deformation in children.
The baby’s skull bones remain soft for a long time. This is provided by nature for a reason: this feature allows the brain to develop unhindered and protects the child himself from injury. Therefore, if he often turns his head in a certain direction, lies on one side, all this can affect the shape of his skull. Mothers always move the child from one position to another, placing him in different directions from the object of interest.
Don't forget about the fontanel. This is an area on the head characterized by elastic soft tissues. While the fontanel is open and not closed, the shape of the child’s skull can sometimes change significantly. The head becomes lopsided or flat if the baby just lies in the same position for a long time. Therefore, parents should always pay attention to this fact so that in the future the adult child does not blame them for his disproportionate skull shape.

When does the danger of deformation pass?

Don’t think that you will always have to monitor how often your baby turns his head to the right or left, or which side he lies on more often. Pediatricians reassure: deformation of the skull in an infant is a phenomenon characteristic of the period when he can only lie down.

As soon as the baby learns to sit down and begins to spend more time in an upright position, the situation will change. As a rule, already in the 2-3rd month of life, the baby’s skull becomes noticeably straighter, deformations disappear, and the head gradually begins to take on a permanent correct shape.

By the way, the opposite problem here will be the overgrowth of fontanelles too quickly. In this case, the skull becomes prematurely rigid. Of course, this saves the baby from the danger of skull deformation earlier, but it is fraught with other things. The child suffers from increased intracranial pressure.

Pathological causes of deformation

We have discussed common harmless cases. However, deformation of the shape of the skull in children can also occur for serious reasons:

Rickets.
Neck curvature.
Hematoma.

Let's consider each of the situations in detail.

Rickets

Rickets is a disease that still occurs quite often in young children. Deformation of the head shape is one of its most common manifestations.

The cause of rickets is a lack of calcium in the body. Because of this, the baby grows and develops slowly, his bones are weak and fragile. Another consequence is that the fontanelles do not heal for a long time. Therefore, the cranial bones remain soft even in a relatively large child. And, as a result, they remain susceptible to deformation longer.

Treatment is prescribed in the form of taking medications containing calcium and vitamin D. It is also important to introduce foods rich in these elements into the baby’s diet and spend time with him in the fresh air more often.

Curvature of the neck

The child constantly turns and tilts his head to one side, which over time causes deformation of his skull. However, we need to figure out why he does this.

The reason is not always a matter of habit. Often this behavior is a sign of curvature of the cervical vertebra. What should parents do in this case? See a pediatric surgeon or neurologist for examination as soon as possible. The specialist will prescribe a treatment that is quite effective in dealing with the problem in the early stages.

Hematoma

A hematoma is an accumulation of blood or other biological fluid at the site of rupture of soft tissue cells. It can occur both under the skin and near the skull bone. Such a formation can severely deform the small head of a newborn.

A hematoma may appear on his head as a result of a birth injury. This is especially true for large children and babies with a large skull. Passing through the mother's birth canal, it can easily be damaged by her internal organs and bones.

Children who were born by caesarean section are not immune from hematoma on the head. Here the baby abruptly moves from his comfortable environment to an external, completely different one. A stressful situation is reflected on the external surfaces. They become too susceptible, which is why any impact can damage them and cause the formation of a hematoma.

How to correct the deformation?

We found that deformation of the skull shape in infants is a common phenomenon. However, with any problem that bothers you, it is best to see your pediatrician!

If the causes of the deformation are not pathological, then it can be easily combated in a number of simple ways:

Change your baby's position in the crib periodically. As a rule, it is placed on the back. Then tilt the head to the right or left. You can change its position along with the position of the body.
Do not turn your baby completely onto his or her side. You can place a blanket under his left or right side while lying on his back to change his position.
When breastfeeding, the mother should ensure that she holds the baby with a different hand each time.
Pediatricians also advise periodically turning the baby onto his tummy. But at the same time, don’t leave him for a second! There is a high chance that he may suffocate by burying his nose in a blanket or pillow.
If you have already noticed a deformation, then change the location of the crib so that the beveled part is on the “uninteresting” side (for example, towards the wall), and the baby no longer lays his head on it.
It is advisable to periodically change the location of the crib in the room so that the child can examine everything without being frozen in the same position day after day.
Do not let your baby fall asleep on a pillow or other soft surface.
In some cases, massage helps. However, for such help you should only contact a qualified specialist.

Treatment - helmet?

If the above tips do not correct the situation, then the asymmetry can be corrected with the help of a special bandage, similar in shape to a helmet. The device gently acts on the deformed areas for a certain time, returning them to their normal position.

The helmet is effective at 4-6 months of life. And provided that the child wears it constantly for 12 weeks. The device is removed only for hygiene procedures. In addition, once every week or two, parents adjust the size of the bandage, taking into account the fact that the child’s head is growing.

Deformation of the shape of the baby’s skull in most cases will not be a dangerous symptom. It can be dealt with by following simple recommendations and wearing a special bandage.

Why does a child have an uneven head?

Every parent takes care of the health of their baby, promptly responding to all alarm signals. Of course, there is nothing wrong with such vigilance, but sometimes completely unfounded panic appears in the family. Here is one of the cases: parents begin to worry when they notice that their child has an uneven head.

Here it is immediately worth clarifying that perfectly straight heads simply do not exist in infancy, since almost all newborns have a deformed shape of the skull, or it becomes deformed after birth. The main question arises: is it worth worrying about this at all?

Features of the structure of a child's skull

The deformation of a child's head has its own logical explanation. Let us remember that the bones that make up the skull remain soft and mobile so that the newborn’s head can move freely through the genital tract; but they retain their properties for a certain time after birth, thereby providing the opportunity for growth and development of the brain. Therefore, pediatricians are convinced that all irregularities in a child’s head are normal and should not cause concern to parents.

In addition, we should not forget the fact that a child spends most of his time in a lying position for the first six months of his life, he has a favorite side and pose, so now it is quite obvious in which area of the head there is a suspicious unevenness.

How to straighten your baby's head?

Despite the fact that such a deformation is not a pathology, it must be eliminated in a timely manner, and this is a task for vigilant parents. First of all, you need to make sure that the baby spends less time in a lying position, so that mommy will have to pick him up more often and introduce him to the world around him. In addition, you need to make sure that he does not lie on only one side, so bring him to your chest from different sides, and when putting him to sleep, alternate the sides where his head is turned. Even during sleep, you should ensure that the child turns less, and when he turns, carefully return his head to its previous position.

If a child has an uneven head, then you can play a funny game with him, but for this you will need a bright toy, which should ring either near the baby’s right ear or near the left, attracting the child’s attention. When the baby becomes interested, he will briskly turn his head first to the right, then to the left, not only “rolling out” his head, but also training weakened neck muscles. After systematically performing such exercises, the baby’s head will become much straighter.

A light head massage with gentle maternal stroking will also not hurt. It is important to remember here that it is strictly forbidden to put pressure on the head and squeeze it, trying to forcibly eliminate the deformity.

Expert's comments

Modern pediatricians are clearly convinced that such head irregularities are normal in childhood. As the child grows, the shape of the skull will take on a genetically determined form: in some children this happens in the first months of life, in others only in elementary school. One way or another, it won’t hurt to examine the baby, at least for the parents’ peace of mind.

www.webkarapuz.ru

Head deformation in a newborn - what parents need to know

1. What head shape should babies have? Norms and deviations.
2. Why does skull deformation occur in infants?
3. Symptoms of abnormalities in infants.
4. How to straighten a newborn's head?
5. Prevention of deformation of the skull bones in a child.

The skull of a newborn baby is different from that of an adult. The skeleton bones of the baby's head have soft spaces (sutures) and membranous non-ossified zones (fontanelles). These soft areas allow the baby's head to pass through narrow spaces in the birth canal.

As a result of labor, cranial deformation occurs, which is observed in most newborns.

After birth, the baby takes his first breath in a process that expands not only the lungs, but also the cranial part of the skeleton. Then, when sucking, the wedge-shaped occipital joint acts as a kind of lever, creating pressure that can even out the asymmetry. However, there are congenital and acquired deformities that require treatment.

What head shape should babies have? Norms and deviations

Normally, a newborn's head has a circumference of 34-36 cm. A small or large skull is not always a symptom of pathology. The size of a child's head depends on heredity - a parent may have a disproportionate head. In the first month after birth, the baby's head increases by 1.5-2 cm.

Over 3-4 months, the size of the head “catches up” with the circumference of the chest, and then begins to lag behind. During the first 6 months, the skull circumference is on average 43 cm. The most intensive growth of the head of a full-term baby is observed up to 3 months, and in a premature baby - during the period of maximum weight gain. A marked advance or lag in the increase in head size may indicate an anomaly.

In the photo the elongated shape of the baby's head

For diagnosing pathology, the shape of the baby’s head is also of great importance. The following shape of a newborn baby’s skull is considered a normal variant:

dolichocephalic – oval, ovoid and oblong;
brachycephalic - round.

An elongated shape can be due to increasing the size of the distance:

from the chin to the back of the head;
from the forehead to the back of the head.

The shape of the head largely depends on labor and the method of birth of the baby. When the birth canal passes with the head forward, the newborn has a dolichocephalic form, and when born through a cesarean section, it is brachycephalic. But there is also a pathological deformation of the child’s head:

plagiocephaly – sloping and asymmetrical, the forehead or back of the head is flat;
acrocephaly – elongated head shape;
scaphocephaly is a “curved” form in which areas of the frontal or occipital region may protrude.

Skull asymmetry in children can lead to neurological pathologies and retardation in the child’s mental/physical development.

Why does skull deformation occur in infants?

Deformation of a child's head during childbirth is a physiological process. In the fetus, the brain part of the skeleton consists of movable bone plates connected by fibrous or cartilaginous tissue. During labor, the head “squeezes” through a narrow ring of pelvic bones.

The pressure exerted on the skull deforms it. The displacement of the bones allows the obstacle to be passed without damaging the brain. After the child is born, the mechanism opposite to compression “turns on.”

Decompression occurs due to increased intracranial pressure during breathing and sucking.

Flattened nape of a baby

The deformation disappears spontaneously. In addition to the physiological one, there may also be a pathological intrauterine anomaly of the shape of the skull, which is caused by:

passage of a large fetus through a too narrow birth canal;
atony of the muscles involved in childbirth;
small (narrow) or flat pelvis;
rapid expulsion of the fetus;
asynclitism and synclitism - incorrect insertion of the head into the pelvic ring;
trauma during obstetrics;
multiple pregnancy.

The shape can be deformed by intrauterine pathology of bone formation and development at the stage of embryogenesis. Deviation from the norm occurs under the influence of:

infections;
violations of the position of the fetus in the uterus;
genetic diseases;
dysplasia.

During a difficult birth, the brain is very rarely damaged; it is reliably protected from compression, but the baby will need a little help to correct the defect.

Acquired asymmetry can be caused by incorrect:

the position of the child in the crib;
the position of the baby when attached to the breast, carried in the arms.

Parents should pay attention to the baby's posture and behavior during sleep and wakefulness.

Symptoms of abnormalities in infants

Skull deformation in children can resolve spontaneously without symptoms of nervous activity disorders. With severe compression of a certain area of the brain, the following disorders may occur:

Displacement of the bone plates in the occipital region is manifested by:

disruption of the sucking process;
frequent and profuse regurgitation;
in the future – poor vision, scoliosis, torticollis and speech impediment.

Asymmetry of the sphenoid bone leads to:
strabismus;
increased intracranial pressure;
articulation disorder.

In the temporal region - accompanied by:

impaired coordination of movements;
hearing impairment.

A depressed forehead shape leads to:

muscle weakness;
lethargy;
lagging psychomotor development.

Parents' attention should be drawn to such deviations as:

bluish or purple spots on the baby’s skull;
soft or hard buds;
infantile jaundice;
asymmetry of the jaws and parts of the facial skeleton;
constant lacrimation;
asymmetry of facial expressions;
bulging of the fontanelle at rest.

If at least one sign attracts the attention of parents, then it is necessary to immediately visit a doctor and undergo an examination - MRI, ultrasound.

How to straighten a newborn's head?

Deformation of the bones of the baby’s skull at an early stage, until the final closure of the fontanelles has occurred, can be corrected using craniosacral therapy. The doctor uses manual techniques to eliminate the asymmetry of the baby’s skull. Massage for head deformation of a child under 1 year of age has shown the effectiveness and safety of therapy, provided the doctor is highly qualified.

Parents can eliminate the anomaly on their own:

avoid incorrect positioning of the baby during feeding;
periodically change his position in the crib, placing him on the other side, on his tummy;
move the crib relative to the light and sound source.

A newborn with congenital asymmetry of the skull should be periodically examined by a pediatrician or neurologist. A small child responds more easily to conservative treatment methods. If correction by such methods is ineffective, then the doctor selects an orthopedic correction helmet for the baby. It determines the size, frequency and duration of wearing the device.

Correction of a child's head using an orthopedic helmet

Parents should remember that strict adherence to the specialist’s recommendations, perseverance and consistency in performing procedures will help completely correct the injury, the child’s skeleton and avoid complications that can result from asymmetry of the baby’s head. In particularly severe cases, surgery may be required.

Prevention of deformation of the skull bones in a child

In order not to deform the baby’s cranial skeleton, parents need to:

change the child’s position more often during sleep and rest;
strengthen the muscles of the back and neck;
during wakefulness, the child should remain upright for more time;
properly equip the sleeping place;
Avoid soft pillows and mattresses.

It is important to remember the importance of breastfeeding. Children who feed on breast milk are less susceptible to infantile pathologies, have stronger bones and higher immunity. Skull deformation in infants can resolve on its own with breastfeeding.

Having a baby requires preparation. It is necessary to check in advance for the presence of hereditary diseases that can deform bone structures.

Children should walk to synthesize vitamin D - prevention of rickets and skeletal pathologies.

The birth of a baby with an asymmetrical skull is not a death sentence; most often, such children catch up and surpass their peers in development, subject to proper care and timely correction measures.

Head deformity in infants

Definition: irregular shape of the skull in a child.

In some cases, the asymmetry is completely insignificant and is more noticeable to parents than to a stranger. However, the child should be observed by a doctor who, if necessary, will recommend more serious examination and treatment.

What causes head asymmetry in newborns?

In babies, the skull is very soft and follows the shape of the brain, which grows in the direction of least resistance when the baby is in the same position for a long time. As a result, his head takes on a characteristic appearance: a protrusion on one side of the forehead, a flattening on the back of the head and an asymmetrical arrangement of the ears. The head rarely takes this shape at birth; Typically, changes occur over time. This is an acquired, not congenital, deformation of the skull.

Deformations and asymmetry of the skull are a very common phenomenon. In most cases, they are completely invisible to strangers. Sometimes head asymmetry is a characteristic feature of many family members and in this case does not give cause for concern at all. However, recently, since the American Association of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs (in order to reduce the incidence of “crib deaths”), the number of cases of cranial deformities has increased sharply. In first place is positional plagiocephaly. In the vast majority of cases, positional plagiocephaly does not require surgical treatment. The head takes on a somewhat crooked shape as a result of the fact that the child lies on his back or on one side most of the time in a crib, car seat and stroller, rarely moving or changing position.

Is head asymmetry associated with brain damage?

No. Changes in skull shape are in no way associated with brain damage. Children suffering from neurological disorders, including brain injuries, may experience cranial deformities, but these are a consequence of brain damage, not the cause.

Is there a need for additional tests to accurately diagnose an abnormal skull shape in a child?

The diagnosis of positional plagiocephaly is based on the results of a clinical examination. Sometimes, when clinical examination is difficult, a plain radiograph is taken. With its help, the presence or absence of open cranial sutures is revealed. The radiograph clearly shows whether these seams are closed or not. Premature closure of one or more cranial sutures is called craniosynostosis.

Some insurance companies insist that x-rays be taken before visiting a doctor so that the doctor has an accurate diagnosis. Computed tomography is only necessary in serious cases when conventional radiography does not help. Since computed tomography is an expensive operation and, when performed on infants, requires the use of sedatives, which is associated with a certain risk, it is prescribed only by a neurosurgeon or craniofacial surgeon.

How is it possible to correct this deformation of the skull in a child?

Early diagnosis is of paramount importance for successful treatment. If treatment is started before the age of four months, the outcome is usually more than favorable. It is not recommended to leave your baby in the same position in a bassinet or car seat (unless you are driving) for more than 30 minutes. If it becomes necessary to leave your child in one of these devices, try to change his position more often. When your baby is not eating, sleeping or being held, place him on his tummy. Spread a blanket on the floor and place the baby on his tummy. In this position they become stronger; muscles of the neck and upper body, and also develops flexibility and mobility. When muscles harden, a special tape or harness is recommended. The question of the effectiveness of this measure remains open, since sufficient reliable data on the results and reliability of such treatment have not yet been obtained. However, hundreds of examples of children using helmets and tapes indicate significant improvement, provided that treatment was started during the first year of the child's life, preferably in the first six months. Many doctors resort to this method only in the most severe cases or in the absence of desired results after traditional treatment: regular changes of position, lying on the stomach and physical therapy.

What will happen if we do not take any action, but simply monitor all possible changes in the shape of the head?

The likelihood that by two to three years the head will take a normal shape is relatively high, but there is too little data to confirm this. Nevertheless, the results of comparing the number of infants and two- and three-year-old children with head asymmetry are striking. Not all of these children visited a doctor for treatment. If the shape of the head did not straighten itself, then there would be many more older children with asymmetry of the head and face. Basically, asymmetry disappears on its own without medical intervention.

From personal experience, I can say that such intervention is necessary in cases of torticollis (shortening of the neck muscles), neurological problems and severe asymmetry. Such patients may need; additional treatment with a helmet or tape.

Is it necessary to consult a physiotherapist or craniofacial surgeon to resolve the issue?

The pediatrician makes a diagnosis and refers you to a pediatric neurosurgeon or craniofacial surgeon for evaluation and treatment. Some helmet companies advertise their own physiotherapists who can provide the appropriate helmet and tape, but this is a conflict of interest and a waste of time. If you immediately contact a specialist doctor, you save both time and money by undergoing an examination and drawing up a treatment plan at one time.

The pediatrician gives a referral to these doctors in case of severe asymmetry (when the asymmetry affects both the head and face), torticollis (neck deformity) and when there is a need for additional consultation with a specialist. After making a diagnosis, the pediatrician determines the form of treatment. In most cases, it involves changing positions, physical therapy, and lying on the stomach.

When should a child be seen again by a doctor due to an abnormal skull shape?

A pediatrician examines the head during routine examinations. If you have consulted with a craniofacial surgeon, the need for follow-up visits depends on the results of the first examination. With traditional treatment, a re-examination should take place after three months. The use of a helmet requires the next examination after completion of the course of treatment.

Head deformation in an infant photo

Read other articles about children, their life, upbringing, and development.

If you liked the article - Head deformation in infants, then you can leave a review or talk about it on social networks.

And also see other articles written especially for you:

Atopic dermatitis in infants forum
Pool for babies
Peanuts during breastfeeding
Intracranial pressure in infants
Baby has trouble sleeping at night
Alcohol while breastfeeding
Water for an infant

Smile with your child!