Frequently asked questions concerning plagiocephaly and helmet therapy

How often does a positional plagiocephaly occur?

There are no exact numbers concerning the frequency of plagiocephaly. Since the recommendation that children be placed on their backs to avoid cot death was introduced, the number of positional head deformities has greatly increased.

Are there any risks to my child being treated with helmet therapy?

In our experience, no risks have emerged as a result of helmet therapy. If you bring your child to one of our centres in the first months of life and we advise treatment, we can guarantee success.

When is the right time to begin treatment?

We recommend preventative measures from 1–3 months of age, e.g. repositioning and physiotherapy. If at 4 months the head deformity is visible, your child should have a consultation with one of our physicians. We are confident that we can offset your baby’s head deformity if treatment begins before 15 months of age. The earlier the therapy begins the better.

Does the helmet bother the baby?

No need to worry. Children at this age get used to the helmet very quickly. The younger the baby is, the sooner he accepts the helmet. Our physicians fit the helmet exactly to your baby’s head, so the baby does not feel restricted in it. In general, your child will feel warmer when wearing the helmet, so dress him in lighter clothing.

How does the helmet actually work?

Every helmet is manufactured and customised for each tiny patient. Correction of cranial deformities is not done by pressing on the prominent areas of the head but rather by preventing these areas from growing while the flattened parts are filled out by the head’s natural growth.