Fixing Tucker's Flat

On September 4th Tucker was diagnosed with positional plagiocephaly, specifically brachycephaly.

Positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) is defined as a condition most commonly found in infants and is characterized by a flat spot on the back or one side of the head caused by remaining in one position for too long. Brachycephaly is the flatness of the back of the head. Tucker has a sinking occipital bone. It can be caused by various things, but I suspect Tucker's was caused by him sleeping through the night at such an early age. I also believe some babies are more susceptible to the flattening of skull, and I think in 10-15 years pediatricians and doctors will have a better understanding of this issue.

(The picture on the left is the "model" baby for brachycephaly from the Cranial Tech website, Tucker is pictured on the right with the same condition.)

I noticed Tucker's head was less round, but thought it was just me being paranoid. My mom saw Tucker at 8 weeks old, then again at 14 weeks without me saying anything she made a comment about his flatness. I was convinced and scheduled an appointment his pediatrician. He was quickly diagnosed and we began a 2 month regiment of aggressive repositioning. Unfortunately if anything, I felt his condition worsened.

I was referred to a cranial facial pediatric doctor at the local children's hospital. The doctor initially thought Tucker had craniosynostosis, an early fusion of the skull bones. We were sent to get emergency x-rays. I was informed that if his bones had fused early he would require major surgery requiring a 4 inch incision across the back of his head during an 8 hour surgery, 24 hours in the ICU, followed by 4-5 days in the hospital recovering. Needless to say I was sick thinking something that severe was wrong and I had "let it go" for 2 months messing around with repositioning. The nurse assured me that she would call first thing in the morning with the results, by the time 2pm rolled around I called the office myself! I was greeted with the fabulous news that his sutures were open and normal. She then mentioned that I was first on her list to call. Looking back on that day it is comical, in the moment I could have strangled her through the phone.

I was then referred to Coastal Orthotics for a Starscan. I took Tucker in on Friday afternoon. The doctor noticed his flatness right away. After he discussed the process with me, he put a sock on Tucker's head to hold down his hair, and then stuck two arrow stickers to the sides of his head as reference points. I handed Tucker to the doctor who laid him in the Star Scanner, in three seconds the machine had scanned his head and transferred it to computer images. (As a side note, he smiled during the scan so the pictures of his skull show a big old smile. I was a proud mama) The doctor then did a few measurements and made his recommendation of a Starband helmet. He said Tucker's scan results were not a good indication of his need for the helmet because he is incredibly symmetrical in every way except the back of his head. On the traditional scale he is a 1.25/5 for severity, but the back of his head alone is a 4/5. He said the symmetry of the rest of his skull gives him good contact points to fit the helmet which will encourage positive growth.

I took the numbers and scans home to discuss with Nick and make our decision. I was sold on the need for the cranial remolding, if untreated it can cause undue pressure on the jaw and teeth causing an overbite and eyesight issues. Not to mention bicycle helmets, hats, and glasses may not fit properly. Nick agreed. Next was the issue of our insurance and finding the money to cover the outrageous cost of $3,000 of which has to be paid up front or in three installments over three months. Our insurance has cranial remolding helmets on the no-pay list and deems the treatment process cosmetic. Nick has been saving to pave our driveway...that dream will now be on hold for awhile longer. I am thankful he is good with money and we have this bit of wiggle room. 

Tucker will be fitted with his helmet within a week's time, we ordered it today and it is currently being custom made in Florida. Nick picked the design of skull and cross bones. Just wait for our Christmas photos!

It has been quite the journey and it has just begun. Look for weekly/bi-weekly updates as Tucker gets fitted and receives more scans.