Hi friends and family!
I wanted to let you know about my cool new accessory my parents got for me! You see, my noggin has a flat spot on account of being super smashed in my Mommy's tummy when I was tiny (it's way better on the outside, btw) and I love sleeping on just my right side (it's just so much more comfy)! Mommy and Daddy tried everything to fix my spot, but, you know me... I'm stubborn just like them!
So, Mommy says I get to wear this band to fix my flat! I will only have to wear this silly band for a few weeks to a couple months, no big deal! So while I'm fixin' my melon, don't be afraid of the big white thing on my head! I'm still the same me... goofy, smiley Nolan! Ask my Mommy if you have any questions and you can still love me and talk to me, too... I'll be sure to give you a big smile!!
xoxo,
Nolan
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As some of you may be aware, Nolan has a pretty flat head! All kidding aside, he was diagnosed with plagiocephaly at 5 months. Plagiocephaly, although scary sounding, is not as "medically concerning" as it may seem. Basically, Nolan has a flat spot on his head. Some babies are born with this, others get it from having a weak muscle in their neck (torticollis) and others from lying on their head too often (positional plagiocephaly... and not the parent's fault). Nolan was born with his, most likely from being squished in my belly for far too long and having an undesirable position in the womb. When he first arrived, we noticed his flat spot a tiny bit, but passed it off as it being one of those awkward newborn things that he would grow out of. When his one month well check came around, we asked about his head and our pediatrician agreed to keep an eye on it for a few more months. He favored his right side for the first months of his life, slept solely on his right side, and as a result, has some misalignment. As the months passed and his spot didn't improve, we knew our pediatrician would be referring us out to a specialist, and sure enough, that's exactly what happened.
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| Nolan at 3 weeks |
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| Nolan at 6.5 months |
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| Nolan at 6.5 months |
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| Nolan at 6.5 months |
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| Nolan at 6.5 months |
We were referred to a cranial orthotist, and had his first evaluation the first week of August. He was measured by the doctor with a variety of tools and guidelines, and qualified as a moderate case of plagiocephaly. On a scale of 0-30, Nolan's skull displacement is at a 15. The orthotist told us it was completely our decision, as plagiocephaly isn't a dire "medical" condition and is looked at as simply cosmetic. Nothing will hinder his mental capabilities because he has a flat head, and he certainly won't be labeled disabled because of it. It does need to be treated quickly within the first year of life, because the skull can be easily molded now, and not so much past then. She did disclose that some studies suggest that babies with plagiocephaly can be linked to migraine headaches, balance issues and TMJ, as well as helmets, hats, and glasses fitting incorrectly later in life. He could also have slight misalignment of his facial features and ears, most likely not too noticeable, but still there. She left the room and let us take a few moments to talk about what we had just learned.
Luckily, we did our research beforehand, and knew what our decision would be going into our evaluation. If there was any type of "possible" symptom involved in not helmeting our son, we knew the best decision would be to eliminate that option completely. We are choosing to helmet Nolan not based on our concerns, but strictly with his in mind. I would never want him complaining of headaches or be embarrassed of his flat head when it was such an easy fix early on. In the scheme of things, this treatment will be cake for him!
When we made our decision, we started the process ASAP! Nolan had his head scanned the same day, and looked adorable with his head sock and pouty face. He didn't cry at all, but made it known that he was not thrilled about having pictures of his head taken! The scanner measured his skull and created an exact image on the computer screen. This was then sent out to create his cranial band, where they molded his exact head, and also a "perfect version" of his head, as to what the helmet will soon develop.
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| Head scan- Bottom is the front of his face |
Fast forward one week later, and we were fitted for his helmet and started our treatment journey! We took home his cranial band as well as his lovely little head model. The model visual illustrates the area where fluid sits (the yellow) due to the misalignment. The band will put pressure on these areas, while allowing space in the "flat spots" (the white) for the fluid to flow and fill... in turn rounding out his little noggin!
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| Checkin' out my skull model! |
He wore it home from the office and for two hours on the first day, and although we're only on Day 2, he hasn't had any issues with it at all. He knows it's there, but isn't bothered by it and can do everything the same as before, just a little extra sweaty! We don't know exactly how long he will be in it for. It depends on when he hits his growth spurts and how the fluid fills in. We're expected to be in it for at least 3 weeks full time (23 hours a day), and probably longer. We're taking each day as we go, and are excited to bling this band out! Stay tuned for design updates!
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| Leaving the orthotist's office |
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| My first day in my cranial band! |
If you have questions, please ask! It's a learning process for us, too. If you've been through this before or know someone who has, tell us how it went! We're hoping for the best and know this is just another little bump Nolan will overcome.
Here's to rockin' the helmet and spreading plagiocephaly awareness!! And of course we had to document with a photoshoot! Enjoy!
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