Diagnosis of Flat Head Syndrome

The diagnosis of ‘Flat Head Syndrome’ is not difficult with an experienced eye.

Once a flat spot has been spotted the worried parent will be drawn to that part of their baby’s head.

The medical clinician must ascertain as to whether a much rarer condition called ‘craniosynostosis’ exists in which there is premature closing of the cranial sutures is responsible for the bones flattening. This is extremely rare and has a different appearance to the more common type.

In the very rare cases of craniosynostosis medical supervision is required for treatment and further investigations whereas in the usual positional plagiocephaly treatment/management can often be started and performed at home by the parents.