Cranial Helmet Therapy

Cranial Helmet Therapy

For infant skull shape concerns, we share information about our advanced cranial helmets used in plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head), brachycephaly (flattening at the back of the head), and after craniosynostosis surgery. Helmets are fitted only at CranioWell Orthotics & Prosthetics Centers.

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Which ages are suitable?

Cranial helmet therapy is typically suitable for infants between 4 and 14 months. Before 4 months, repositioning, physical therapy, and exercises may still allow improvement.
After 14 months, skull growth slows, so we generally do not fit helmets for older infants.

Why are head-shape concerns increasing?

After safe-sleep programs introduced to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)*, the frequency of positional head-shape deformities increased.
Today, more than 3% of newborns have severe or very severe head-shape deformity. Including mild and moderate deformity, rates approach about 50%**.
A cranial molding orthosis is lightweight and custom-made. The rounded interior allows the child to sleep and move comfortably.

*SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Risk is higher when babies sleep on the stomach.
**Deformational plagiocephaly: a follow-up of head shape, parental concern and neurodevelopment at ages 3 and 4 years; B L Hutchison, A W Stewart and E A Mitchell; Archives of Disease in Childhood, September 2010.
***Effectiveness of Conservative Therapy and Helmet Therapy for Positional Cranial Deformation. Steinberg et al; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; March 2015

How long does treatment last?

Duration depends on the age at which helmet therapy begins. When flattening is noticed early and therapy starts early, the course may finish in about 4 months; in older children it may extend up to about 6 months.

FOR GOOD OUTCOMES, WEARING THE HELMET 23 HOURS A DAY IS VERY IMPORTANT

The orthosis is worn about 23 hours a day to guide skull growth. Short wear time reduces correction. Any schedule under 23 hours can cause problems and lower treatment effect. Even near the end of therapy, the helmet should remain on for 23 hours a day.

CranioWell

With clinical experience and technical development, our environmentally conscious helmets are:
BREATHABLE
Perforated structures allow ventilation and help reduce sweating.
LIGHTWEIGHT
We use the potential of 3D printing in manufacturing.
SLIM
CranioWell designs are slim to increase comfort so your baby can adapt more easily.