Re: Need Plagio Advice

April 17, 2010

Hello ,

I took a look at your son's pictures. I think he does qualify for a band

treatment. Please check out CT's website www.cranialtech.com

There is a lot of useful info and pictures of head shapes there. You can also do

an online head shape assessment to try to understand where your son is at as far

as the severity of the condition.

www.cranialtech.com/index.php?option=com_content & view=article & id=317:online-asse\

ssment-step-1 & catid=95:my-babys-head-shape & Itemid=70

Hope this helps,

Tatiana

>

> New to this group and in much need of help/advice.

>

> My 5 month old son (born 11/8/09), has plagiocephaly/torticollis. Wife and I

learned of his ailment while performing Internet research on his unusual head

shape at 2 1/2 months old. At which time, We immediately started stretching

exercises and repositioning. Pediatrician with the urging from us diagnosed the

plagiocephaly and torticollis at his 3 month check up. The doctor was not

concern about plagiocephaly and instructed us to continue with repositioning.

Physical therapy was prescribed for torticollis. Thanks to PT (stretching,

strengthening exercises as prescribed by therapist), the torticollis is

basically resolved. Son has full neck motion and has met all physical

development milestones. However, I see only a little improvement with

plagiocephaly. Ear, forehead, and check are still pushed forward on his right

side.

>

> I'm currently stuck in a dilemma. I see his plagiocephaly as possible being

moderate and in need of band/helmet intervention, but do not know for sure as

they are no cranial clinics or specialists locally (in Hawaii) to assist with a

diagnosis. Additionally, the pediatric community in Hawaii is highly against

helmet treatment weather the plagiocephaly is mild, moderate or severe, so

obtain a prescription locally appears impossible. The nearest area where

treatment/prescription are available is Southern California. Before wife and I

start the expensive band therapy journey (insurance will not cover any of the

costs), I wish for member to take a look at son's photos (list in photos folder

) and let me know what you believe his condition to be and would they

pursue band treatment. Please add any other advice or questions you have.

>

> Thanks and Aloha,

>

April 17, 2010

,

Congrats on getting your son't tort resolved but I am sorry to tell you that

your son's pics remind me of my son's initial pics right down to the misaligned

ears. He was considered severe, with 20 mm of asymmetry. He received his first

DOC Band just shy of 5 months and wore it for 9 weeks before he outgrew it. He

had amazing progress but we are starting a 2nd Band this Friday. If you go with

a DOC Band I think there is a good chance you will need 2 given your son's

severity and age. At Cranial Tech the adjust the bands weekly until 7 months

when the start adjusting every 2 weeks because the rate of cranial growth slows.

If I were you I would pursue treatment. I would not expect his head to

significantly 'round out on its own,' even with aggressive PT. You should also

expect that even after treatment, his ears may never be perfect. We don't

notice any improvement in my son's ears after the first Band and are hoping for

some improvement with the 2nd but aren't hoping for perfection.

When I google Hawaii orthotics I get a bunch of hits. It can't hurst to call a

few providers and see if they happen to have any technicians that have treated

infants before. Hopefully they can give you more advice or point you in the

right direction.

Have you asked your pedi about the perscription and been refused? I would

demand one and see what happens.

Good luck on your journey.

PS:This website will explaing the measurements

http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/300_399/0379.html