Re: 2nd DOC Band, yes or no?

[Guest guest]

I don't know much about the numbers but our son's CVA was 17 to start and after

8 weeks was 10. His ear asymmetry was a 5 and went to a 2. His ears are still

off. He also had tort which is also resolved. We chose NOT to get a 2nd band. We

decided enough was enough. Our son looks wonderful. Can I tell his ears are

still off...yes but no one else can. They will continue to improve on their own.

As fast? No. But our physical therapist and the CrainalTech therapist said he

will improve on his own. Now he sleeps on his stomach and turns his head side to

side all night so I'm not worried about regression. We also felt the helmet was

inhibiting him from progressing with rolling, sitting, etc. As soon as it was

off him he was doing these things like crazy. I know 2nd bands are sometimes

necessary but if you think your child's progress is enough I wouldn't go with a

2nd one. Hope that helps!!! P.S. It has been about 2 months since he's been out

of it and we are still happy with our decision.

>

> I am really torn about what to do and I am looking forward to hearing the

thoughts and opinions of other parents who are on or have been through this.

Based on the following information, would you get a 2nd DOC Band?

>

> My son was diagnosed with severe left plagiocephaly (caused in-utero

and worsened by torticollis which is now resolved) and began his DOC Band

treatment at 4 months 3 weeks. He has been in it for 8 weeks and has one more

week before he outgrows his current Band. They are recommending a 2nd band but

I am not sure what to do. His initial numbers and the numbers from his 6 weeks

re-evaulation are;

> Initial 6 weeks

> Cephalic Index 94.6 88.5

> Standard Dev +4.1 +1.6

> Cranial Vault Asym 20 10

> Mid-Face Asymmetry 2 0

> Skull-Base Asym 3 5

>

> He has improved so much and I am not sure how much more improvement we can

expect. I am really curious what his numbers will be next week after 9 weeks in

the band. His ears are still really off, any insight on why the skull-base

asymmetry got worse? I will try to post his pics under Mark plagio

before after. If we didn't get a 2nd band I would hope that he would continue

to improve on his own but it seems like most kids don't. What would you do, get

a 2nd band or not?

>

[Guest guest]

My son just graduated from his DOC Band a week ago. He went from an 18 to an 8,

and I can still see the asymmetry, although most other people can not. We paid

out-of-pocket for our band. In my opinion, if your insurance pays for it, I'd

recommend getting a second band. What's another 8 weeks in your child's entire

life? I think that a life with as asymmetrical head would be much worse than 8

more weeks in a band.

Just my opinion,

[Guest guest]

The remaining 10 mm asymmetry is the key reason they are recommending a second

band. The change from 3 mm to 5 mm on skull-base may just be a measurement

error - because with the calipers they use at Cranial Tech it is hard to get an

exact measurement on the kids as they are wiggling around and you may not be

putting the caliper at the exact same spot as before. So I wouldn't read too

much into that.

An 88 Cephalic index is still pretty high, so another band will help this too.

My son is going to graduate from his doc band today and will still have a

cephalic index around 88%, but without any noticeable asymmetry so they are not

recommending another band.

If your child didn't mind the band and if you have insurance to pay part of the

cost, then I would go for another one.

>

> I am really torn about what to do and I am looking forward to hearing the

thoughts and opinions of other parents who are on or have been through this.

Based on the following information, would you get a 2nd DOC Band?

>

> My son was diagnosed with severe left plagiocephaly (caused in-utero

and worsened by torticollis which is now resolved) and began his DOC Band

treatment at 4 months 3 weeks. He has been in it for 8 weeks and has one more

week before he outgrows his current Band. They are recommending a 2nd band but

I am not sure what to do. His initial numbers and the numbers from his 6 weeks

re-evaulation are;

> Initial 6 weeks

> Cephalic Index 94.6 88.5

> Standard Dev +4.1 +1.6

> Cranial Vault Asym 20 10

> Mid-Face Asymmetry 2 0

> Skull-Base Asym 3 5

>

> He has improved so much and I am not sure how much more improvement we can

expect. I am really curious what his numbers will be next week after 9 weeks in

the band. His ears are still really off, any insight on why the skull-base

asymmetry got worse? I will try to post his pics under Mark plagio

before after. If we didn't get a 2nd band I would hope that he would continue

to improve on his own but it seems like most kids don't. What would you do, get

a 2nd band or not?

>

[Guest guest]

We have Cigna HMO and had to pay $1500 for the first band and will have to pay

$2500 for a 2nd band. Cigna only covers for asymmerty greater than 12mm and/or

SD of +2. At 10mm and +1.6 doesn't qualify but the expense isn't really

factoring into our decision anyhow. Those numbers are from his 6 week eval, we

will get new numbers next Fri at 9 week of treatment. I am really hoping the

numbers change a lot of not at all so the decision is easier. He really doesn't

mind wearing it so I think we are leaning towards getting the 2nd band if his

numbers don't improve much. I don't want to regret our decision down the road.

I will look back and miss not being able to snuggle his head but I don't think I

will ever regret doing what is best for his long term prognosis.

> >

> > I am really torn about what to do and I am looking forward to hearing the

thoughts and opinions of other parents who are on or have been through this.

Based on the following information, would you get a 2nd DOC Band?

> >

> > My son was diagnosed with severe left plagiocephaly (caused in-utero

and worsened by torticollis which is now resolved) and began his DOC Band

treatment at 4 months 3 weeks. He has been in it for 8 weeks and has one more

week before he outgrows his current Band. They are recommending a 2nd band but

I am not sure what to do. His initial numbers and the numbers from his 6 weeks

re-evaulation are;

> > Initial 6 weeks

> > Cephalic Index 94.6 88.5

> > Standard Dev +4.1 +1.6

> > Cranial Vault Asym 20 10

> > Mid-Face Asymmetry 2 0

> > Skull-Base Asym 3 5

> >

> > He has improved so much and I am not sure how much more improvement we can

expect. I am really curious what his numbers will be next week after 9 weeks in

the band. His ears are still really off, any insight on why the skull-base

asymmetry got worse? I will try to post his pics under Mark plagio

before after. If we didn't get a 2nd band I would hope that he would continue

to improve on his own but it seems like most kids don't. What would you do, get

a 2nd band or not?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Here is my simple reply: Are YOU satisfied with his head shape?

If you answer no, then go for the 2nd band if you can afford the cost.

I went with a 2nd DOC Band for my son, because after 6 weeks I was not satisfied

with his head shape. They did a 2nd photostudy and measurements and his brachy

went from a CI of 100% to 92.2% and his CVA went from 6 mm to 4 mm. He started

at 4.25 months. There was a 11 day lapse between helmets (he outgrew it a week

sooner than we thought, then there was a snowstorm) and we had some initially

fit issues with his 2nd. But has been in his 2nd DOC Band for 3 weeks now

and looks fabulous. He's nearly 7.25 months now.

I paid out of pocket for both ($3600 via Care Credit for the 1st, and $3300 on

my Visa for the 2nd) ... and I don't regret it for a second.

The way I see it: money comes and goes but there is only this one window for

growth with his head. Your son is still only 7 months old, right? I think he

could still see good changes. But, again, only proceed if you still want to see

changes and are OK with the cost.

>

> I am really torn about what to do and I am looking forward to hearing the

thoughts and opinions of other parents who are on or have been through this.

Based on the following information, would you get a 2nd DOC Band?

>

> My son was diagnosed with severe left plagiocephaly (caused in-utero

and worsened by torticollis which is now resolved) and began his DOC Band

treatment at 4 months 3 weeks. He has been in it for 8 weeks and has one more

week before he outgrows his current Band. They are recommending a 2nd band but

I am not sure what to do. His initial numbers and the numbers from his 6 weeks

re-evaulation are;

> Initial 6 weeks

> Cephalic Index 94.6 88.5

> Standard Dev +4.1 +1.6

> Cranial Vault Asym 20 10

> Mid-Face Asymmetry 2 0

> Skull-Base Asym 3 5

>

> He has improved so much and I am not sure how much more improvement we can

expect. I am really curious what his numbers will be next week after 9 weeks in

the band. His ears are still really off, any insight on why the skull-base

asymmetry got worse? I will try to post his pics under Mark plagio

before after. If we didn't get a 2nd band I would hope that he would continue

to improve on his own but it seems like most kids don't. What would you do, get

a 2nd band or not?

>

[Guest guest]

I would agree that the increase in skull base is likely measurement error. I would say that if that 10 mm doesn't go down, then you should go for it. However, 3 more weeks in the life of a young baby may be enough to get that number down far enough for you to be happy. Decide beforehand what number would be worth another band. That way, the decision will be an easy one once you are there.

Re: 2nd DOC Band, yes or no?

We have Cigna HMO and had to pay $1500 for the first band and will have to pay $2500 for a 2nd band. Cigna only covers for asymmerty greater than 12mm and/or SD of +2. At 10mm and +1.6 doesn't qualify but the expense isn't really factoring into our decision anyhow. Those numbers are from his 6 week eval, we will get new numbers next Fri at 9 week of treatment. I am really hoping the numbers change a lot of not at all so the decision is easier. He really doesn't mind wearing it so I think we are leaning towards getting the 2nd band if his numbers don't improve much. I don't want to regret our decision down the road. I will look back and miss not being able to snuggle his head but I don't think I will ever regret doing what is best for his long term prognosis.> >> > I am really torn about what to do and I am looking forward to hearing the thoughts and opinions of other parents who are on or have been through this. Based on the following information, would you get a 2nd DOC Band?> > > > My son was diagnosed with severe left plagiocephaly (caused in-utero and worsened by torticollis which is now resolved) and began his DOC Band treatment at 4 months 3 weeks. He has been in it for 8 weeks and has one more week before he outgrows his current Band. They are recommending a 2nd band but I am not sure what to do. His initial numbers and the numbers from his 6 weeks re-evaulation are;> > Initial 6 weeks > > Cephalic Index 94.6 88.5> > Standard Dev +4.1 +1.6> > Cranial Vault Asym 20 10> > Mid-Face Asymmetry 2 0> > Skull-Base Asym 3 5> > > > He has improved so much and I am not sure how much more improvement we can expect. I am really curious what his numbers will be next week after 9 weeks in the band. His ears are still really off, any insight on why the skull-base asymmetry got worse? I will try to post his pics under Mark plagio before after. If we didn't get a 2nd band I would hope that he would continue to improve on his own but it seems like most kids don't. What would you do, get a 2nd band or not?> >>

[Guest guest]

We got our exit numbers today and I still don't know what to do, I think I am

leaning towards getting the 2nd Band but 3-4 more months is so discouraging. He

ended his 1st band in 9 weeks

Cephalic Index = 85.3

SD = +1.1

CVA = 7

Mid-Face Assy = 0

Skull Base Asy = 5

Any comments regarding self correction without a helmet would be appreciated.

>

> I am really torn about what to do and I am looking forward to hearing the

thoughts and opinions of other parents who are on or have been through this.

Based on the following information, would you get a 2nd DOC Band?

>

> My son was diagnosed with severe left plagiocephaly (caused in-utero

and worsened by torticollis which is now resolved) and began his DOC Band

treatment at 4 months 3 weeks. He has been in it for 8 weeks and has one more

week before he outgrows his current Band. They are recommending a 2nd band but

I am not sure what to do. His initial numbers and the numbers from his 6 weeks

re-evaulation are;

> Initial 6 weeks

> Cephalic Index 94.6 88.5

> Standard Dev +4.1 +1.6

> Cranial Vault Asym 20 10

> Mid-Face Asymmetry 2 0

> Skull-Base Asym 3 5

>

> He has improved so much and I am not sure how much more improvement we can

expect. I am really curious what his numbers will be next week after 9 weeks in

the band. His ears are still really off, any insight on why the skull-base

asymmetry got worse? I will try to post his pics under Mark plagio

before after. If we didn't get a 2nd band I would hope that he would continue

to improve on his own but it seems like most kids don't. What would you do, get

a 2nd band or not?

>

[Guest guest]

,

We were in the same boat a few months ago. It was a tough decision for us, too. We were trying to get our son's CVA lower...he started at 17mm and ended band #1 at 10mm. He also had remaining mid-face and skull-base asymmetry at graduation. When he graduated, we decided not to do a second band. However, during the course of the few weeks that followed, I just kept thinking that we were stopping too soon. It took about 6 weeks for us to decide we needed to keep going and do that second band. When we started band #2, our son was 9 months old. He spent 11 weeks in the second band and did great. In fact, we all did much better the second time around. I was REALLY dreading doing another one. In fact, I remember crying at our CT evaluation for band #2. I didn't even do that the first time around! Once he had that second band on, I was instantly at peace with our decision to continue and I knew we were doing the right thing for him. It was much, much easier the second time around...much to my surprise. I guess my recommendation would be to think about it for a bit if you're not sure. Sounds like your baby is still young enough that you could do that without losing too much time. And focus your attention on what his head shape/ears looks like to you, rather than the numbers. Hope that helps.

Jill

Cade's mom (15 months, 2 DOC Bands, grad 12/09)

Austin TX