Head distortion and importance of treatment

What we really want to correct is
the norm regarding head distortion.

About skull deformation

Early diagnosis by specialist doctors holds the key to treating distortion in a baby’s head.

Distortion in a baby’s head is mainly caused by external pressure arising from positioning habits and other factors. However, in rare cases, pathological deformations such as craniosynostosis may be the cause. Accurately identifying these conditions is difficult, so early diagnosis/testing/treatment by specialist doctors is required.

Head distortion is roughly classified into three types

Distortion in a baby’s head is roughly divided into three types: “plagiocephaly,” “brachycephaly,” and “scaphocephaly.” Whether helmet treatment is necessary or not is determined not by the shape but by the intensity and cause of the distortion.

“Plagiocephaly” caused by positioning habit etc.
A condition where the back of the head is diagonally asymmetrical. Causes include positioning habits during sleep/breastfeeding (to right/left) and restrictive intrauterine environments.
“Brachycephaly,” so-called a “flat head”
A condition where the back of the head is flat instead of rounded. It is often called “a precipice head.” Lying face up is said to be the main cause.
“Scaphocephaly” caused by lying on one side
A condition where the back of the head protrudes prominently. Lying on one side is the main cause. Scaphocephaly displays similar characteristics to those of pathological deformations, so early diagnosis by a doctor is needed.

“Plagiocephaly” caused by positioning habit etc.
A condition where the back of the head is diagonally asymmetrical. Causes include positioning habits during sleep/breastfeeding (to right/left) and restrictive intrauterine environments.
“Brachycephaly,” so-called a “flat head”
A condition where the back of the head is flat instead of rounded. It is often called “a precipice head.” Lying face up is said to be the main cause.
“Scaphocephaly” caused by lying on one side
A condition where the back of the head protrudes prominently. Lying on one side is the main cause. Scaphocephaly displays similar characteristics to those of pathological deformations, so early diagnosis by a doctor is needed.

About helmet treatment

The suitable age for helmet treatment is
from 2 to 8 months after birth. Consult us as soon as possible.

Helmet treatment is done to correct head distortion. It applies appropriate pressure while the head is protected to improve distortion. The suitable age is from 2 to 8 months after birth, so diagnosis/examination as early as possible is critical. This is because the softness of bones and other factors are different from person to person. Please consult a specialist as soon as possible. For details about “Aimet,” a helmet adopted by our clinic, please see here

Details of “Aimet”

Flow of helmet treatment at our clinic

STEP1
X-ray measurements
Check whether a pathological head deformation (craniosynostosis) is present.
STEP2
Scan distortion levels
When the distortion is confirmed to be not a pathological skull deformation, measure the shape of the head using a 3D scanner to determine the seriousness. Then, it is determined whether helmet treatment is needed.
* A guardian asking for helmet treatment is requested to sign a consent form.
STEP3
Customizing a helmet
Manufacture a made-to-order helmet based on the shape of the current head and anticipated shape after treatment.
STEP4
Starting treatment
Two weeks after initial treatment, wearing of the helmet starts. It is recommended that the patient wear it 23 hours a day for around 6 months to 1 year (duration may vary from person to person).
STEP5
Regular checkups
Checkups are performed every 2 to 4 weeks to fine-tune the helmet.
STEP6
Ending treatment
A specialist doctor judges the timing for ending treatment. The extent of closure in the “anterior fontanelle” which is a gap between the bones of the skull is a rough indicator, as well as the timing when the skull starts to harden.

Treatment fees

Initial examination fee:
5500 yen (incl. scanning costs, tax included)
Helmet treatment fee: ＊
*550,000 yen (incl. reexamination costs, tax included)

＊Includes the helmet price, reexamination costs, 3D data processing costs, and cushion replacement/processing costs.
＊However, you cost add-on expense as follows regarding cushion spares, outside of the medical treatment.
・Cushion spare set: 3,300 yen (tax included)
・Cushion replacement (outside of the clinic): 6,600 yen (tax included)