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View our privacy policyAmelia’s GP identified tightness in her neck before concerns were raised about her head shape. Senior Orthotist Jo Drake supported her with a LOCband Lite cranial remoulding helmet, which improved her overall head shape and asymmetry.
Amelia was born five weeks premature. At about four weeks, her parents Graeme and Polly became concerned about her head shape. They spoke to their GP at the six-week check, and they were advised that it was nothing to be concerned about but to come back when Amelia was around three months old to review it.
They were concerned that Amelia was mainly sleeping with her head turned to the left and early on they found repositioning difficult as she would wake when she was moved. They returned to the GP at about three months, and again, he said it was fine and not to worry. Amelia’s parents were not pleased with this advice and requested a second opinion from another GP.
This GP identified tightness in Amelia’s neck, and she was referred to an NHS physiotherapist for stretching exercises. They were also referred to a paediatrician, who told them that Amelia’s flat head was a cosmetic concern. In the meantime, they also saw an osteopath to help with her neck tightness. The osteopath they saw happened to be an ex-midwife. She said that Amelia’s flat head was quite a common condition called plagiocephaly, and if they were concerned, they should consider looking at cranial remoulding helmets. Graeme and Polly hit the internet and discovered the London Orthotic Consultancy.
Amelia was assessed by Jo Drake, Head of Plagiocephaly and Senior Orthotist at LOC, in October last year, when Amelia was seven months old. Graeme recalls: “Jo was very matter-of-fact. She explained that Amelia had severe plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), but that significant improvement was possible. We decided to go ahead with the helmet programme on the spot, so scans were taken there and then. They also showed the extent of Amelia’s head shape asymmetry.”
Amelia’s cranial vault asymmetry was 19mm. This measurement compares the right and left diagonals at 30 degrees from the centre of the head, and the difference between the two gives the asymmetry value. Less than 6mm is regarded as being within the normal range of head shape, while anything over 12mm is considered severe. Amelia’s bespoke cranial remoulding helmet, the LOCband Lite, was fitted two weeks later.
Polly says: “Amelia had no problems with her helmet, quickly getting used to it. In fact, she soon learnt that she could fall over with impunity while wearing it as the helmet protected her head! We had no problems with marks on her head either, but we did find we needed to adjust the band because it would rotate and slip. With her head shape, there seemed to be a very fine balance to maintain it in position to re-shape her head. Of course, Jo adjusted it at every review appointment as well. And we were able to see the improvements in Amelia’s head shape at those frequent reviews.”
At discharge, Amelia’s asymmetry had been reduced to 9mm. Graeme and Polly reflect: “Our only regret is that we did not start orthotic treatment earlier. But we are very happy with the outcome. We said to each other at the beginning of treatment: ‘Anything below 10mm will be fine.’ It’s odd now to remember that we were also concerned about what other people would say when they saw Amelia in her helmet. Instead, a lot of parents came up to us and said: “Our son/daughter had one of those. Best decision we ever made.”
If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape, get in touch today. You can complete our free flat head photo assessment form or contact us to arrange a free consultation with an orthotist
Backed by clinical research, LOCband Lite is a non-invasive cranial remoulding helmet designed to support a more balanced head shape over time. Results vary depending on age, severity and daily wear time.
“From the very start, everyone at the London Orthotic Consultancy was professional and friendly. Every step of the way was well-explained and the fitting was quick. It only took Magnus one day to get used to the band, and after that, he wasn’t bothered by it at all. And, most importantly, it worked!”
Maria, Magnus’s mother – Plagiocephaly patient
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