Table of contents
Plagiocephaly
Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of plagiocephaly are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS 2016) and the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS 2011).
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Screening and diagnosis
Diagnostic investigations
Clinical evaluation: as per CPS 2011 guidelines, obtain evaluation for craniosynostosis, congenital torticollis and cervical spine abnormalities as part of the examination of a patient with plagiocephaly.
B
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Diagnostic imaging
Nonpharmacologic interventions
Physical therapy
As per CNS 2016 guidelines:
Offer physical therapy over repositioning education alone to reduce the prevalence of infantile positional plagiocephaly in infants ≥ 7 weeks of age.
B
Offer physical therapy over using a positioning pillow in infants with positional plagiocephaly to ensure a safe sleeping environment and comply with AAP recommendations.
B
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Repositioning
Helmet therapy
Preventative measures
Positioning
As per CPS 2011 guidelines:
Advise positioning of the head to encourage lying on each side in the supine position for the prevention of plagiocephaly. Recognize that more effort may be required for the child with a strong positional preference to lie more on one side of the head.
B
Advise prone positioning during awake time (tummy time) for 10-15 minutes at least TID for the prevention of plagiocephaly.
B