Video
Six month old Bradley is suffering from plagiocephaly, an asymmetrical head, and there are several causes; the soft bones in his head have been pushed out of shape; a genetic fault; or sleeping in the same position. Dr Christian sends Bradley and his mum Hayley to see an orthotist who will fit Bradley with a helmet, to be worn for six months, that will mould those soft bones into the right shape. After four months in the helmet, Bradley comes to visit Dr Christian, there is already a remarkable improvement in the symmetry of Bradley’s head.
The EB team would like to thank:
Mr Stephen Mottram, Clinical Specialist Orthotist
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My son is now 6 - he had helmet treatment when he was 7 months to treat the same problem (plagiocephaly and brachycephaly). We agonised about it before choosing to treat it, as the health visitor said he might grow out of it, and anyway his hair would cover it. The GP said he might not grow out of it, and it could make it hard to wear glasses or a cycle helmet. The helmet made a huge difference, and when he came out of the helmet at 12 months his head was the right shape and his forehead was symmetrical. At age 6 you'd never guess he had a problem when he was little.
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Have you noticed any developmental problems or heard anyone who has had any? The only thing holding me back from getting the helmet for my son is the fear that it will cause brain damage on a such a sensitive little head.
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IM THE SAME MY WEE BOY IS NEARLY TEN MONTHS AND HE HAS A VERY FLAT HEAD BUT HAVENT BEEN GIVING ANY HELP THOSE HELMENTS LOOK GREAT AND WORK!
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My Wife and I have a beautiful daughter, but yes her head is disformed and its driving me crazy. We went through hell and back to get her into this world and now we're faced with this. Everyone including my wife and Doctor say it will get better as she gets older, but I remain to be convinced. It doesn't help that she will hardly spend anytime on her tummy during the day, though she does like her bouncer. My main concern is not only could she get bullied but what if it turns out that it affects brain development. And dont get me started about that we should of been warned about this when she was born. Maybe sueing the NHS might make them wake up and realise. I know one thing, this is making me worried sick.
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I agree. My baby has an uneven shaped head. The health visitors have been so unhelpful. One commented 'Yes his head is rather flat, try repositioning him, it may help but may not. Make an appointment with the GP, though don't think he'll do much about it'. It really annoys me that no one warns you about this condition when your baby is born when the repositioning techniques would be really beneficial. It really upsets me and I worry so much that he is going to be teased about his head when he is older. 2,000 is so much money and I worry how we are ging to scrape this money together if the condition doesn't improve in it's own time.
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Does anyone know if there is any age limits on this treatment? My little girl is 10 months & everyone including the health visitor has told me just to leave it now but if it can be fixed then i would rather sort it.
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My son is wearing the helmet, it realy works!!! They should say how mutch does it cost, 2000 pounds and its not NHS refunded but I thin it should!!!!
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I think it is terrible in this day and age you should be paying to get your childs head the right shape
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What a beautiful baby!
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