How it all began

At Emily's 8 week Post-Natal checkup, we mentioned to the Doctor that her head appeared flat on one side. We were reassured at the time that this would gradually improve and that 'tummy time' and re-positioning would help. As worried parents, we began doing our own research in to the possible causes and found that after four months old, re-positioning and 'tummy time' would no longer be effective, especially in severe cases.

What happened next?

Having seen no improvements despite following all of the doctors advice, we decided to book Emily in for a Cranial Assessment with Technology in Motion as Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) sadly, isn't covered or funded by the NHS. Having sat through an hours' consultation and various different cranial scans and measurements, our suspicions were confirmed. Emily was diagnosed with severe Plagiocephaly, right-handed frontal bossing (bulging forehead) and her right ear has been forced forwards due to the severity of the condition. Photos of Emily's head and assessment can be seen below;

Treatment

The optimum time to treat Plagiocephaly is four months as the skull is still soft and is growing at a rapid rate. Without treatment, Emily would never be able to do the things that most of us take for granted. She wouldn't be able to ride a bike as a helmet wouldn't fit, she would be unable to wear glasses/sunglasses as her ears are misaligned and it would pose limitations on her career as it would prevent certain professions which require helmets (police, fire, etc.). Not only this, but having a misshaped head could be distressing for Emily when she is older and we want to do all we can to ensure this doesn't happen.

Treatment for Plagiocephaly (when re-positioning has failed) is a corrective helmet . The helmet restricts growth where the bulging is prominent and leaves space elsewhere for the skull to grow in to, therefore correcting itself. The helmets cost £2025. As you can imagine, like most young families, this is a lot of money for us to find and therefore, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Ash, Narelle and Emily x