Head shape

I've been worrying (on the inside) about Sam's head shape. I first noticed an odd (to me) protrusion at the back top right of his head when he was about 3 months old. The NP at the 4 month check acknowledged that there was an odd shaped protrusion but said she didn't feel any ridges. Pedi at 6 month acknowledged protrusion but didn't spend much time on it and I didn't push it.

Since then, I now notice a protrusion at the back bottom left of his head and also a flat-ish spot. I don't think he sleeps in one position for too long. When he was younger, he honestly didn't sleep that much so I was pretty certain it wasn't positional. He's sleeping better now (yay!) but he now controls what position he sleep in. Thoughts? I'm probably just being a freaky mother but my other kids always had "normal" headshapes. I've taken a few pics but they didn't come out the best.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a369/ajmacd1979/DSCN1266-1.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a369/ajmacd1979/DSCN1271-1.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a369/ajmacd1979/DSCN1262-1.jpg

 

Hmmmm...How is the size of his head? I tried looking for photos of Anthony when he was younger, but couldn't find any. I know there are some though. He had a huge head when he was little and it grew rapidly. If I took photos-it looked like the back of his head was absolutely flat-and he never slept on his back, and it looked like he had protrusions from both sides of his head. I'll have to check the archives...lol...and find a photo for you.

Maybe take a photo from farther away? If your pedi doesn't seem too concerned, I don't know what you could do-you could always get a second opinion. I know dh had a cousin and they were concerned about size of their daughter's head, but the pedi wasn't. With their persistence, he probably should have had it checked out-and he didn't. He developing normally, etc? I would say it's probably fine, but I'm no doctor! And us mom's have a tendency to worry!

 

This seems similar to my 6 month old girl. We went to specialist last week who explained her bumps are fine. With her the back bump is about ear level and a result of brain growing faster than the mendosal? Suture closing. Her poor head is in 85% while everything else is about 2% on growth charts. Her twin bro's head is perfectly normal and not big.
It's probably similar but I'd push to get it looked at to ease worried mom.

Like PO mentioned if developmentap milestones are on track its a super good sign.

 

Check out this website, it gives all information on types of flat head syndrome.

http://www.flatheadprevention.org/about-flathead-syndrome/

When my son, who ironically is also named Sam, was 3 or 4 months old, my pedi mentioned that his head was starting to get flat in the back and on the right side. He wanted us to reposition him and he also wanted us to do more tummy time. After a month or two, his head just got worse. So we consulted a pediatric neural surgeon, and in our case, his flat head was just cosmetic... however, the likelihood that it would correct itself by itself seemed slim. So, we opted to get a helmet.

It has gotten much better - but he still needs a bit more time. I'm glad i got the helmet. Esp since he is a ID twin, it would be obvious that there was something wrong with the shape of his head.

So - IMO - trust your gut!! It's not a bad idea to really push your pedi to explain why he is nonchelant about your sons head shape. and, maybe get a second opinion. it's important to address now while his head can still be reshaped.

Good luck!

 

One of my LO's has the same shape on her head and she's only 2 months old. Tomorrow while I am at the pedi office for DS I am going to have her look at it - it seems to be getting more noticeable lopsided especially from the top and back view. I have to admit I am horrible about tummy time, seems like I am either feeding them or putting them to sleep and when they are awake I leave them on their back to get things done around the house. I am guilty of little tummy time, but my the other twin has a very normal head shape. If I hear anything from my pedi tomorrow that seems useful, I'll pass on what I find.

 

My son also has had a flat spot and protrusions since about 2 months. It was getting better for a while, but now seems to be getting worse again! I have asked my pedi about it twice and she is not at all concerned. Let me know if you find out differently.

 

Mine, too! My pedi has said he wouldn't let anyone come near my DS with a helmet, since it's not as bad as others, but it's still there. Especially that rear protrusion in your pictures - that's exactly like my DS! I'm hoping hair will cover it!

 

The pics are a little hard to see, but one of my girls had something similar. I think it is more symmetrical now but her head is just so different shaped than her sisters that it never occurred to me. Doesn't look odd to me though - just her unique head shape I guess. Pedi has never been concerned or mentioned anything during the exams, in which head was included. I would agree with PP though. Probably should trust your instinct and ask for further explanation from Pedi or think about getting a second opinion. Even when Pedi tells me not to be concerned about something I want to know how he comes to that answer based on his experience and knowledge of the subject before I am fully satisfied with the answer. Anyone can say don't worry.

 

My baby A had a head almost just like that. Dr. wasn't concerned but we went to a cranial specialist who said it should be corrected with a helmet. The thing that concerned me most was that it can lead to asymetry in the eyes and ears and even the jaw allignment. One of DD's eyes was more anterior than the other and it can cause some distortion in vision. She is a month away from graduating from her band (helmet) and has had nice improvement. They told me that it is very common in twins and is something caused in utero from being cramped. DD had a "horn" like your ds's that is almost gone. The band holds the protrusions in place so the head can fill in around it making it look more normal, it doesn't push it back in (which is what I thought was supposed to happen). The other thing to note is that the earlier you start treatment, the better the outcome. I don't think they will band beyond one year because the growth is so slow at that point. It works so well early because their heads are growing so quickly. Most places will do a free evaluation and our insurance covered most of the band, we just needed an RX from our Dr. who gave it without even seeing her.

So, now I sound like a cranial band sales person I just am so glad that we went ahead with the banding and feel that Drs don't always take it seriously enough. Ours acted like it was positional and it would correct itself with position changes, it didn't. It's worth it to at least have him evaluated IMO. Either it will put your mind at ease or you will find that he needs a band. It seriously was not bad at all and I am sorry to see it go in a way because she looks adorable in it.

Good luck,

Dena

ETA: Gosh, looking again at your pictures, dd's head was VERY similar to your son's...even the same side. I didn't notice the protrusion on the back of her head but they did and it is completly gone now. Was he baby A?

 

This is actually my singleton son My twins are five (you will survive!!!). Thank you for all the responses. All my children have gigantic heads. I just don't remember the others sticking out so much to me which is why I was a bit concerned. I think I may find some place to just evaluate him. With my insurance I don't need a referral, plus if it's free, what the harm. We don't go back to the pedi until the end of September and I'd rather not wait that long.

 

Anyone know how to find a place to take him? We live in Nashua, NH.

 

Would you look into a pediatric neurologist? Is that who he would see? Or maybe someone at the pedi's office could recommend someone? Good luck!