CRANIAL BANDING

Cranial Banding has been around for over 25 years but is only recently becoming a realistic treatment option for families throughout the UK and the Isle of Man due to improvements in design, research and results. There are three common head shape types which might lead you to consider a cranial band for your baby. These are listed in the following information.

REPOSITIONING AND STRETCHING EXERCISES

If you think that your baby has a misshapen head, it is wise to seek the advice of a physiotherapist (link to our recommended physio). Physio's can show you how best to position your baby in order to give the head maximum opportunity to grow into a normal, symmetrical shape. If positioning and stretching have not been successful by 4 months old, cranial banding might be considered.

WHAT IS A CRANIAL BAND?

A cranial band is similar to a helmet. It is custom made to fit each individual baby through the use of a 3D scan or a cast of the baby’s head. The band has a hard outer shell to maintain the integrity of the design and is lined with closed cell foam to allow progressive adjustment and hygienic conditions. The band has a lateral (side) opening which makes putting the band on and taking it off easy and allows for circumferential growth of the cranium.

HOW WILL A CRANIAL BAND CORRECT A MISHAPEN HEAD?

The aim of the band is to make the head more symmetrical. Therefore, the band will maintain contact with the head where the head is more prominent and allow space for growth where there are depressions in the head shape. The band is regularly adjusted in order to accommodate the changes in head shape and to achieve optimum results.

HEAD SHAPE TYPES

All of the head shapes listed below are Positional. This means that they are caused by external deformational forces such as:

Premature birth
Cervical spine abnormalities
Restrictive intrauterine positioning
Birth trauma
Sustained supine positioning (lying baby on it’s back too often)

Because a baby’s head is so soft when it is in the womb, and during the first few months of life, it is easily deformed when it experiences any sustained period in one position. Because baby’s bones have not yet fused together, it is possible to change the head shape by the use of positioning techniques or a cranial band.

Occasionally, synastosis has occurred (bones in the head have fused) which means that a cranial band is not a suitable treatment. This usually occurs when a baby reaches about 18 months old. It is therefore important to seek advice regarding a cranial band when your baby is around 4 months old.

POSITIONAL PLAGEOCEPHALY - This is characterised by the asymmetric presentation of the cranium, ears and/or facial structures

POSITIONAL BRACHYCEPHALY - This is characterised by the generalized flattening of the posterior occipital area (back of the head).

POSITIONAL SCAPHOCEPALY - This is characterised by a long, narrow head shape.

HOW LONG DOES MY BABY HAVE TO WEAR A CRANIAL BAND FOR?

Bands need to be worn for 23 hours of the day. The period of treatment depends on the type of head shape and the age at which the band was first used. A normal period for wearing the band is between 8-10 months.

HOW OFTEN DO WE SEE AN ORTHOTIST

Again, this depends on each individual baby. The treatment plan detailed below gives an idea of a typical treatment plan.

Initial consultation – The orthotist will carry out a thorough examination and determine whether or not you baby is suitable for a cranial band. If it is, a scan will be taken and the band will be ordered.

1 week later the band will be fitted to your baby’s head.

1 week later you will have a review appointment to rectify any teething problems and answer any queries that you might have.

3 weeks later you will have a review appointment. Adjustments may be made to the band to accommodate growth.

The orthotist will make appointments for you and you baby from now on depending on the baby’s progress.

HOW MUCH DOES CRANIAL BANDING COST?

Your initial consultation is £200. If your baby is suitable for cranial banding, the treatment programme costs £1800.00.

If you have any questions about cranial banding or would like to make an appointment to see an orthotist, please contact us.