Re: update: 18 month old

[Guest guest]

Hi, Kim!

My son began treatment with his helmet at 20.5 mo. We went to Cranial Tech. in Oakbrook, IL. There was a delay in treatment only because our pediatrician continually told us his head would improve on its own at every wellness exam. We took matters into our own hands at 19 mo. and our son was banded at 20.5 months. He wore this band for approx. 5 months and he went from 8 mm of asymmetry to 4 mm. We were happy with the results because before we treatment, we were told there could be minimal to no change. We figured it was our last chance to try and are glad we did. I do not notice the flatness in the back of his head much anymore, but rather notice the front more. In the front, one side of our son's head is not completely filled out in comparison to the other side (opposite side to the flat side in the back). I only notice this when I look down at him from the backside. Either

way, we had to try so we would not regret it for the rest of our lives. Needless to say, our insurance did not pay the $3600 we owed for treatment/banding. Our insurance would have paid up until 18 mo. We were one month and 1/2 too late. We were not aware of all this from the start. I wish you the best. If you have any questions, please feel free to respond back.

S.

Mother of Rowan, now 35 months. and banded at 20.5 months

From: critter lover <tinsel2003@...>Subject: update: 18 month oldPlagiocephaly , OlderPlag Date: Friday, October 29, 2010, 4:13 PM

We had our 4 week appointment today. She is 18 months old now (16.5 adjusted). He shaved it in a few red spot areas in front. Her head did not grow in circumference but her cranial vault symmetry went from 11mm to 9mm. Dr. seemed a bit disapointed. During the 3 month wait for her helmut she had a huge growth spurt, but as soon as she got into her helmut her meals dropped by 2/3. So definately stopped growing for the time being. However, intellectually, she ate her first noodle so I'm proud of her mental/sensory development. ;)Is that normal to not have head growth but correction? She was very passed out this time when before she was on the move so maybe the measurements were off? (though she also has had the computer scan).Regardless, I'm happy Hanger is letting us try and appreciative of it. I'm pretty happy with 2mm. She clearly still looks off (especially the ears) but I feel better hearing the 2 (though I had to ask

since it seemed so minimal he wasn't even going to bother to tell me). I also wonder if the added padding on the back bottom of the head is making a shelf like line back there.He is in contact with the cranial medical center who suggested she may be in it for up to a year depending on how happy I am with the results. I'm ok with that. She doesn't care about the helmet at all. It's NOT a big deal and she still sleeps on her tummy with it on, though I have taken a few hits to the head with it when cuddling lol. For reference.. sweet potatoes and refried beans are not a foam padding's friend. I think I almost have the orange out :)I just never see any posts for older kids with helmets I feel I better put one out there.Kim

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim

I think you had replied to one of my posts before. I am the mother of the twin boys. =) Don was 6mm asymmetry and Derrick was 8-10mm asymmetry. They were both above 99%. The Dr. said they have the biggest heads he's ever seen for babies this age. They are very tall too, like a lot of 3 year old. It's my genes. I was always the tallest girl since I could remember. I was very concerned if their heads will still grow much once the helmets are on.

They were banded at 14.5 months. They started wearing the helmets a weeks later due to the struggles the inlaws were having. (You might still remember my post regarding the matter. It was hard, but I did it!) Anyways, the inlaws are helping me now and my boys are in helmets 23 hours a day for the last two weeks. The last checkup after <3 weeks wearing, Derrick had 3 mm improvement, and Don had 1-2mm improvement!! Derrick's head circumference stayed exactly the same, though the flat spot poped out 2-3 mm. Don's head circumference did increase 2-3 mm. The Dr. said that 1mm could be measurement error, but 2-3mm is definitely some improvements.

I am hoping to see more improvements for the next checkup. My conclusion - the helmet works!

Plagiocephaly From: kstengel35@...Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:17:37 -0700Subject: Re: update: 18 month old

Hi, Kim!

My son began treatment with his helmet at 20.5 mo. We went to Cranial Tech. in Oakbrook, IL. There was a delay in treatment only because our pediatrician continually told us his head would improve on its own at every wellness exam. We took matters into our own hands at 19 mo. and our son was banded at 20.5 months. He wore this band for approx. 5 months and he went from 8 mm of asymmetry to 4 mm. We were happy with the results because before we treatment, we were told there could be minimal to no change. We figured it was our last chance to try and are glad we did. I do not notice the flatness in the back of his head much anymore, but rather notice the front more. In the front, one side of our son's head is not completely filled out in comparison to the other side (opposite side to the flat side in the back). I only notice this when I look down at him from the backside. Either way, we had to try so we would not regret it for the rest of our lives. Needless to say, our insurance did not pay the $3600 we owed for treatment/banding. Our insurance would have paid up until 18 mo. We were one month and 1/2 too late. We were not aware of all this from the start. I wish you the best. If you have any questions, please feel free to respond back.

S.

Mother of Rowan, now 35 months. and banded at 20.5 months

From: critter lover <tinsel2003@...>Subject: update: 18 month oldPlagiocephaly , OlderPlag Date: Friday, October 29, 2010, 4:13 PM

We had our 4 week appointment today. She is 18 months old now (16.5 adjusted). He shaved it in a few red spot areas in front. Her head did not grow in circumference but her cranial vault symmetry went from 11mm to 9mm. Dr. seemed a bit disapointed. During the 3 month wait for her helmut she had a huge growth spurt, but as soon as she got into her helmut her meals dropped by 2/3. So definately stopped growing for the time being. However, intellectually, she ate her first noodle so I'm proud of her mental/sensory development. ;)Is that normal to not have head growth but correction? She was very passed out this time when before she was on the move so maybe the measurements were off? (though she also has had the computer scan).Regardless, I'm happy Hanger is letting us try and appreciative of it. I'm pretty happy with 2mm. She clearly still looks off (especially the ears) but I feel better hearing the 2 (though I had to ask since it seemed so minimal he wasn't even going to bother to tell me). I also wonder if the added padding on the back bottom of the head is making a shelf like line back there.He is in contact with the cranial medical center who suggested she may be in it for up to a year depending on how happy I am with the results. I'm ok with that. She doesn't care about the helmet at all. It's NOT a big deal and she still sleeps on her tummy with it on, though I have taken a few hits to the head with it when cuddling lol. For reference.. sweet potatoes and refried beans are not a foam padding's friend. I think I almost have the orange out :)I just never see any posts for older kids with helmets I feel I better put one out there.Kim

[Guest guest]

Oh YAY! Ty for the update That's so weird our heads both remaing the same circumference and yet changing. I don't get it but hey whatever... at least the numbers are making me feel better. And quite frankly with the stumbling of a new walker I feel I'm saving a lot of brain trauma when she trips and I hear the smack of the helmet instead of her little noggin!KimFrom: Leina Tian <leinatian@...>plagiocephaly Sent: Mon, November 1, 2010 10:52:39 AMSubject: RE: update: 18 month old

Hi Kim

I think you had replied to one of my posts before. I am the mother of the twin boys. =) Don was 6mm asymmetry and Derrick was 8-10mm asymmetry. They were both above 99%. The Dr. said they have the biggest heads he's ever seen for babies this age. They are very tall too, like a lot of 3 year old. It's my genes. I was always the tallest girl since I could remember. I was very concerned if their heads will still grow much once the helmets are on.

They were banded at 14.5 months. They started wearing the helmets a weeks later due to the struggles the inlaws were having. (You might still remember my post regarding the matter. It was hard, but I did it!) Anyways, the inlaws are helping me now and my boys are in helmets 23 hours a day for the last two weeks. The last checkup after <3 weeks wearing, Derrick had 3 mm improvement, and Don had 1-2mm improvement!! Derrick's head circumference stayed exactly the same, though the flat spot poped out 2-3 mm. Don's head circumference did increase 2-3 mm. The Dr. said that 1mm could be measurement error, but 2-3mm is definitely some improvements.

I am hoping to see more improvements for the next checkup. My conclusion - the helmet works!

Plagiocephaly From: kstengel35@...Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:17:37 -0700Subject: Re: update: 18 month old

Hi, Kim!

My son began treatment with his helmet at 20.5 mo. We went to Cranial Tech. in Oakbrook, IL. There was a delay in treatment only because our pediatrician continually told us his head would improve on its own at every wellness exam. We took matters into our own hands at 19 mo. and our son was banded at 20.5 months. He wore this band for approx. 5 months and he went from 8 mm of asymmetry to 4 mm. We were happy with the results because before we treatment, we were told there could be minimal to no change. We figured it was our last chance to try and are glad we did. I do not notice the flatness in the back of his head much anymore, but rather notice the front more. In the front, one side of our son's head is not completely filled out in comparison to the other side (opposite side to the flat side in the back). I only notice this when I look down at him from the backside. Either

way, we had to try so we would not regret it for the rest of our lives. Needless to say, our insurance did not pay the $3600 we owed for treatment/banding. Our insurance would have paid up until 18 mo. We were one month and 1/2 too late. We were not aware of all this from the start. I wish you the best. If you have any questions, please feel free to respond back.

S.

Mother of Rowan, now 35 months. and banded at 20.5 months

From: critter lover <tinsel2003@...>Subject: update: 18 month oldPlagiocephaly , OlderPlag Date: Friday, October 29, 2010, 4:13 PM

We had our 4 week appointment today. She is 18 months old now (16.5 adjusted). He shaved it in a few red spot areas in front. Her head did not grow in circumference but her cranial vault symmetry went from 11mm to 9mm. Dr. seemed a bit disapointed. During the 3 month wait for her helmut she had a huge growth spurt, but as soon as she got into her helmut her meals dropped by 2/3. So definately stopped growing for the time being. However, intellectually, she ate her first noodle so I'm proud of her mental/sensory development. ;)Is that normal to not have head growth but correction? She was very passed out this time when before she was on the move so maybe the measurements were off? (though she also has had the computer scan).Regardless, I'm happy Hanger is letting us try and appreciative of it. I'm pretty happy with 2mm. She clearly still looks off (especially the ears) but I feel better hearing the 2 (though I had to ask

since it seemed so minimal he wasn't even going to bother to tell me). I also wonder if the added padding on the back bottom of the head is making a shelf like line back there.He is in contact with the cranial medical center who suggested she may be in it for up to a year depending on how happy I am with the results. I'm ok with that. She doesn't care about the helmet at all. It's NOT a big deal and she still sleeps on her tummy with it on, though I have taken a few hits to the head with it when cuddling lol. For reference.. sweet potatoes and refried beans are not a foam padding's friend. I think I almost have the orange out :)I just never see any posts for older kids with helmets I feel I better put one out there.Kim

[Guest guest]

i don't think it is so weird that the circumference didn't change. The

circumference would be measured at the largest part of the head. If the growth

were directed to the flat area with a band it is quite possible this is below or

above the " circle " measured as the circumference. This sounds desirable to me,

since the growth would be where it is most needed for correction.

-christine

sydney, 4.5 yrs, starband grad

>

>

> >From: critter lover <tinsel2003@...>

> >Subject: update: 18 month old

> >Plagiocephaly , OlderPlag

> >Date: Friday, October 29, 2010, 4:13 PM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >We had our 4 week appointment today. She is 18 months old now (16.5

adjusted).

> >He shaved it in a few red spot areas in front. Her head did not grow in

> >circumference but her cranial vault symmetry went from 11mm to 9mm. Dr.

seemed

> >a bit disapointed. During the 3 month wait for her helmut she had a huge

growth

> >spurt, but as soon as she got into her helmut her meals dropped by 2/3. So

> >definately stopped growing for the time being. However, intellectually, she

ate

> >her first noodle so I'm proud of her mental/sensory development.

> >

> >Is that normal to not have head growth but correction? She was very passed

out

> >this time when before she was on the move so maybe the measurements were off?

> >(though she also has had the computer scan).

> >

> >Regardless, I'm happy Hanger is letting us try and appreciative of it. I'm

> >pretty happy with 2mm. She clearly still looks off (especially the ears) but

I

> >feel better hearing the 2 (though I had to ask since it seemed so minimal he

> >wasn't even going to bother to tell me). I also wonder if the added padding

on

> >the back bottom of the head is making a shelf like line back there.

> >

> >He is in contact with the cranial medical center who suggested she may be in

it

> >for up to a year depending on how happy I am with the results. I'm ok with

that.

> >She doesn't care about the helmet at all. It's NOT a big deal and she still

> >sleeps on her tummy with it on, though I have taken a few hits to the head

with

> >it when cuddling lol. For reference.. sweet potatoes and refried beans are

not a

> >foam padding's friend. I think I almost have the orange out

> >

> >I just never see any posts for older kids with helmets I feel I better put

one

> >out there.

> >

> >Kim

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

What you describe may have happened. However, the asymmetry

measurement is usually taken at the same level as the circumference,

so I don't believe this explains the measurement results.

Best,

Kathy

On 11/2/2010 7:33 AM, christineashok wrote:

i don't think it is so weird that the circumference didn't

change. The circumference would be measured at the largest

part of the head. If the growth were directed to the flat

area with a band it is quite possible this is below or

above the "circle" measured as the circumference. This

sounds desirable to me, since the growth would be where it

is most needed for correction.

-christine

sydney, 4.5 yrs, starband grad

>

>

> >From: critter lover <tinsel2003@...>

> >Subject: update: 18 month old

> >Plagiocephaly ,

OlderPlag

> >Date: Friday, October 29, 2010, 4:13 PM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >We had our 4 week appointment today. She is 18

months old now (16.5 adjusted).

> >He shaved it in a few red spot areas in front.

Her head did not grow in

> >circumference but her cranial vault symmetry went

from 11mm to 9mm. Dr. seemed

> >a bit disapointed. During the 3 month wait for

her helmut she had a huge growth

> >spurt, but as soon as she got into her helmut her

meals dropped by 2/3. So

> >definately stopped growing for the time being.

However, intellectually, she ate

> >her first noodle so I'm proud of her

mental/sensory development.

> >

> >Is that normal to not have head growth but

correction? She was very passed out

> >this time when before she was on the move so

maybe the measurements were off?

> >(though she also has had the computer scan).

> >

> >Regardless, I'm happy Hanger is letting us try

and appreciative of it. I'm

> >pretty happy with 2mm. She clearly still looks

off (especially the ears) but I

> >feel better hearing the 2 (though I had to ask

since it seemed so minimal he

> >wasn't even going to bother to tell me). I also

wonder if the added padding on

> >the back bottom of the head is making a shelf

like line back there.

> >

> >He is in contact with the cranial medical center

who suggested she may be in it

> >for up to a year depending on how happy I am with

the results. I'm ok with that.

> >She doesn't care about the helmet at all. It's

NOT a big deal and she still

> >sleeps on her tummy with it on, though I have

taken a few hits to the head with

> >it when cuddling lol. For reference.. sweet

potatoes and refried beans are not a

> >foam padding's friend. I think I almost have the

orange out

> >

> >I just never see any posts for older kids with

helmets I feel I better put one

> >out there.

> >

> >Kim

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

On Nov 2, 2010, at 11:33 AM, christineashok wrote:

> i don't think it is so weird that the circumference didn't change.

> The circumference would be measured at the largest part of the

> head. If the growth were directed to the flat area with a band it

> is quite possible this is below or above the " circle " measured as

> the circumference. This sounds desirable to me, since the growth

> would be where it is most needed for correction.

In hand measurements, diagonal differences would typically also be

measured at points which are also on the largest circumference,

assuming fzL-g-fzR and ocpR-op-ocpL are approximately horizontal

lines. It is less certain whether " level 3 " of a scan corresponds

closely with those reference points, though.

I would rather explain this kind of improvement as " angular

conformance, " using a novel theory of the same name (which has, not

surprisingly, garnered few subscribers via this forum). In the

short term, such gains would be lost to regression if the helmet were

suddenly removed. BUT it shows that the fit is effective, and any

significant new growth, when it occurs, will be redirected along new

angles. Which, in turn, changes the angles again, so the orthotist

can increase the symmetry of the helmet when he next enlarges the

interior, in a cyclical process of " squaring the angles. "

My theory thus also predicts that the typical " couple of mm "

improvement for this age group continues to impact future, less

significant growth spurts after the treatment is finished. We stand

in an intermediate category between those who receive completely

effective treatment, and those who expect improvement through the

normative influence of brain growth alone.

It's like training a plant shoot that never quite becomes woody. Many

of the sutures that join our babies' skull plates do not close, and

remain flexible (unless they have craniosynostosis). The brain is

relatively infirm compared to wood, a trellis, or a helmet. And yet,

Clara's head seems to wobble toward rectitude, like a seedling

follows the sun.

Thad Launderville

town, VT

Clara age 31 months, STARband '10

[Guest guest]

,

So good of you to share you success! Do you know was your son's soft spot still open during that time? My daughter has already had a Hanger helmet from 11 months to 15 months and improved from around 13mm down to 9mm. We have had problems this last month with friction, etc. They keep adjusting/shaving down but I think it is just too small. The issue with her is she has this unusual "pseudo" bone over her soft spot so we are now awaiting xray results to see if it is still open and if so, I am thinking about going with Cranial Tech's band for a second go round (Hanger was just ok - felt like we only had a really good fit about 1/2 that time b/c we were growing into it and then grown out of it...)

Thanks!

Marissa

From: Stengel <kstengel35@...>Plagiocephaly Sent: Fri, October 29, 2010 9:17:37 PMSubject: Re: update: 18 month old

Hi, Kim!

My son began treatment with his helmet at 20.5 mo. We went to Cranial Tech. in Oakbrook, IL. There was a delay in treatment only because our pediatrician continually told us his head would improve on its own at every wellness exam. We took matters into our own hands at 19 mo. and our son was banded at 20.5 months. He wore this band for approx. 5 months and he went from 8 mm of asymmetry to 4 mm. We were happy with the results because before we treatment, we were told there could be minimal to no change. We figured it was our last chance to try and are glad we did. I do not notice the flatness in the back of his head much anymore, but rather notice the front more. In the front, one side of our son's head is not completely filled out in comparison to the other side (opposite side to the flat side in the back). I only notice this when I look down at him from the backside. Either

way, we had to try so we would not regret it for the rest of our lives. Needless to say, our insurance did not pay the $3600 we owed for treatment/banding. Our insurance would have paid up until 18 mo. We were one month and 1/2 too late. We were not aware of all this from the start. I wish you the best. If you have any questions, please feel free to respond back.

S.

Mother of Rowan, now 35 months. and banded at 20.5 months

From: critter lover <tinsel2003@...>Subject: update: 18 month oldPlagiocephaly , OlderPlag Date: Friday, October 29, 2010, 4:13 PM

We had our 4 week appointment today. She is 18 months old now (16.5 adjusted). He shaved it in a few red spot areas in front. Her head did not grow in circumference but her cranial vault symmetry went from 11mm to 9mm. Dr. seemed a bit disapointed. During the 3 month wait for her helmut she had a huge growth spurt, but as soon as she got into her helmut her meals dropped by 2/3. So definately stopped growing for the time being. However, intellectually, she ate her first noodle so I'm proud of her mental/sensory development. ;)Is that normal to not have head growth but correction? She was very passed out this time when before she was on the move so maybe the measurements were off? (though she also has had the computer scan).Regardless, I'm happy Hanger is letting us try and appreciative of it. I'm pretty happy with 2mm. She clearly still looks off (especially the ears) but I feel better hearing the 2 (though I had to ask

since it seemed so minimal he wasn't even going to bother to tell me). I also wonder if the added padding on the back bottom of the head is making a shelf like line back there.He is in contact with the cranial medical center who suggested she may be in it for up to a year depending on how happy I am with the results. I'm ok with that. She doesn't care about the helmet at all. It's NOT a big deal and she still sleeps on her tummy with it on, though I have taken a few hits to the head with it when cuddling lol. For reference.. sweet potatoes and refried beans are not a foam padding's friend. I think I almost have the orange out :)I just never see any posts for older kids with helmets I feel I better put one out there.Kim