Deformations (Positional Plagiocephaly):

Do deformations cause any internal problems?

Most craniofacial surgeons and pediatric neurosurgeons agree that deformations do not cause any problems with the brain or the child's development. However, one recent study (published online Feb. 2000) suggested that children who are born with a deformation and are treated with a helmet might have a higher chance of having a behavioral problem later in life. This study was based on telephone interviews with parents whose children had been treated at one specific center. Determining if children who have deformations, really have a greater chance of developing a behavioral problems is very difficult. For example, if there really was a higher risk for developing problems in the children who were treated, was the reason for this because the children had deformations and this caused the problem, or was it the treatment with helmet that caused the behavior problem? This study certainly raises an interesting question, and it might be correct. However, it is our belief that this study has some major flaws (one of which is only obtaining information from a telephone interview), which lead the authors to incorrectly suggest that deformations are associated with a higher incidence of behavioral problems. We believe that children with a deformation are completely normal.

What causes a deformation?

How do I know if my child has a deformation?

Why do deformations need to be treated? | Treatment

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