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Deformational Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly

What Is Deformational Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly?

Deformational Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly refers to a head shape that is misshapen, uneven, or involves a flat spot. This results from pressure on the developing head (skull) in the womb and/or from a persistent sleep or resting position after birth. Plagiocephaly and/ or brachycephaly does not affect the brain, motor development or intelligence.

Deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly can happen on one or both sides of the head. If the flattening is on one side (plagiocephaly), the ear on the flat side of the head shifts forward and the forehead and cheek can also shift forward.

Normal Head Shape (normocephaly)Flattening on One Side (plagiocephaly)

If the flattening is on both sides (brachycephaly), the overall head shape becomes very wide. There are less changes to the facial features with brachycephaly unless one side is worse than the other.

Wide Head Shape (brachycephaly) flat on both sides

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