Will a 12-month-old child with brachycephaly (short head syndrome) have a larger than average head circumference?

From the Research

A 12-month-old child with brachycephaly may not have a larger than average head circumference. Brachycephaly refers to a flattening of the back of the head, resulting in a wider, shorter head shape, but it doesn't automatically mean the overall circumference is larger. The condition affects the proportions and shape of the skull rather than its total size. Head circumference in these children often remains within normal range for their age, though the head appears wider when viewed from above.

Key Points to Consider

• Brachycephaly is typically caused by positional factors during infancy, such as spending too much time lying on the back.
• Treatment options include repositioning techniques, physical therapy, or in some cases, cranial orthotic devices (helmets) if addressed before 12 months of age.
• Regular pediatric monitoring of head growth remains important, but parents should understand that brachycephaly primarily affects head shape rather than overall head size.
• According to a study published in 2014 1, helmet therapy was not more effective than the natural course of the condition in improving skull shape in infants with positional skull deformation.
• Another study from 2013 2 found that passive helmet therapy was effective in improving deformational plagiocephaly in infants from birth to 18 months of age.
• However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that helmet therapy may not be necessary for all cases of brachycephaly, and that the natural course of the condition can be just as effective in improving skull shape.

Recommendations for Parents and Healthcare Providers

• Parents should be aware of the risks of brachycephaly and take steps to prevent it, such as regularly changing their baby's position and providing tummy time.
• Healthcare providers should monitor head growth and shape in infants with brachycephaly and provide guidance on treatment options.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the causes and effects of brachycephaly, as well as the most effective treatment options.