Re: Re: Lerman Helmet vs. Doc Band

[Guest guest]

I have been to Lehrman and Sons and have had alot of problems. The helmet wasn't sized properly and they had to recast a new one. But she was in the wrong helmet for a month so we lost valuable correction time. at Lehrman has continually measured her head wrong. The specialist (Dr. Graham) had completely different measurements. Both my ped and Graham have had to call them and insist on correct measurements. They don't take before and after pictures, so it is hard to see progress. I have started taking pictures. All in all I would not recommend Lehrman.

I am currently getting a second opinion from Dr. Krieger on Monday. I am so frustrated as now I see some facial asymmetry where before I didn't see any. Follow your mommy instincts. I saw the torticollis at 3 mos and it took another 3 to get an actual diagnosis. She is in PT and I hope it gets better. ly I am so disheartened that I am starting to believe this will not be corrected. There is no way to change course now as we don't have the money to get the DOC band. Although I have no experience with DOC band, I can't imagine is it worse than what we are going though now.

Have you seen either Krieger or Graham? I would like to know your experience.

-----Original Message-----From: Plagiocephaly [mailto:Plagiocephaly ] On Behalf Of redlocks2003Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:01 AMPlagiocephaly Subject: Re: Lerman Helmet vs. Doc BandHi Tina, I don't think we have had very many people here go to Lerman andSon's, but there is one parent email listed as using them in theHelmet/Band Database. Maybe you could try emailing them to get apersonal experience/feedback story that might help in your decision:willis@...Oddly, I found 's email also listed for the Toluca Lake DOCbandlocation, so I'm not sure if she switched to a DOCband, or perhapswanted a subsequent band after completing treatment with a Lermanhelmet, and went with a DOCband... here are the parent email addresseslisted for Toluca Lake:: willis@... Amy: lposner@...Emailing , who has been to both locations, might provide someunique feedback for you to consider.At 4 months old, your son is young enough to benefit from either andactive or passive band. It'is unknown whether or not the Lermanhelmet is active or not. I can't find a website for the Lermanhelmet. Both the Lerman helmet and the DOCband are FDA approved. Have you already made consultation appts. with both locations? Wehave links to good questions to have handy when you are interviewingorthos:Cranial Tech's Questions to Ask the Doctor or Orthotist:The quality of treatment available varies widely for children withplagiocephaly. One way to avoid pitfalls is to be aware of them. Printthis page and use it for your research.http://www.cranialtech.com/Treatment/selecting.htmlOrthomerica's Questions for Parents to Ask a Prospective OrthotistFeel free to print out this list of questions and refer to them duringyour initial consultation with the orthotist. Establishing andmaintaining open lines of communication will enhance yours and yourchild's experience with a cranial remolding orthosis.http://www.orthomerica.com/products/cranial/cranial_questions.htmQuestions To Ask The Doctor and Orthotist/ClinicianOnce an official diagnosis is made and a course of treatment isplanned, many children are referred to an Orthotist or TreatmentFacility in order to obtain cranial orthosis. Here is a list ofquestions to ask the Orthotist/Clinician.http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htmQuestions for the DoctorIt is important to ask any questions that concern you. WRITE DOWN thequestions you want to ask, and take a pen (or a mini tape recorder)with you so you can write down the answers given. Here are somesuggested questions for you doctor and/or orthotist. Please feel freeto print this page...http://www.plagiocephaly.org/support/questions.htmIt's understandable that you have mixed feelings about your son havinga band. At first, the thought of a band can seem clinical or scary. But rest assured, the babies look so adorable in their decoratedbands, and at your son's younger age, his correction prospects areexcellent. Repositioning just doesn't work for everyone, and it is soimportant to realize when repo isn't working, so that one can move onto a band in a timely manner... sometimes head shape can actuallyworsen during a failed attempt at repo. Would you keep us posted on how your decision-making is coming along?Take care,Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy) >> I am researching helmet/band options for my 4 mo. old son. He has a > flat spot on the left side of his head and his head is also starting > to bulge on the right side and the top. I'm devastated that it has > come to this, but I think that we need to get him a helmet or band as > I have tried repositioning, tummy time, keeping him off his back, etc > and nothing is helping. I live in the West Los Angeles area and it > seems that the two options are Lerman and Sons in West L.A. or Cranial > Therapies (Doc Band) in Toluca Lake. Does anyone have any thoughts or > experiences with either of these specifically or in general?> > Thanks in advance for your help!> > Tina>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your input. It helps to get any information that I can before I make this decision. I have not seen any specialists yet. We called Dr. Graham's office and he is booked until the end of July/beginning of August so they recommended that we go directly to Lerhman and Sons. I'm not too sure how comfortable I feel about that. I spoke to but I just don't feel like I'm getting enough information. She said that her helmets are passive as opposed to active. Not sure what people think that the better recommendation is. My son is just 4 months so I would love treatment to get started as soon as possible so that it has a better chance of taking. The Doc band provider is all the way in Toluca, but that may be a better choice. Good luck.mhack@... wrote: I have been to Lehrman and Sons and have had alot of problems. The helmet wasn't sized properly and they had to recast a new one. But she was in the wrong helmet for a month so we lost valuable correction time. at Lehrman has continually measured her head wrong. The specialist (Dr. Graham) had completely different measurements. Both my ped and Graham have had to call them and insist on correct measurements. They don't take before and after pictures, so it is hard to see progress. I have started taking pictures. All in all I would not recommend Lehrman. I am currently getting a second

opinion from Dr. Krieger on Monday. I am so frustrated as now I see some facial asymmetry where before I didn't see any. Follow your mommy instincts. I saw the torticollis at 3 mos and it took another 3 to get an actual diagnosis. She is in PT and I hope it gets better. ly I am so disheartened that I am starting to believe this will not be corrected. There is no way to change course now as we don't have the money to get the DOC band. Although I have no experience with DOC band, I can't imagine is it worse than what we are going though now. Have you seen either Krieger or Graham? I would like to know your experience. -----Original Message-----From: Plagiocephaly [mailto:Plagiocephaly ] On Behalf Of redlocks2003Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:01 AMPlagiocephaly Subject: Re: Lerman Helmet vs. Doc BandHi Tina, I don't think we have had very many people here go to Lerman andSon's, but there is one parent email listed as using them in theHelmet/Band Database. Maybe you could try emailing them to get apersonal experience/feedback story that might help in your decision:willis@...Oddly, I found 's email also listed for the Toluca Lake DOCbandlocation, so I'm not sure if she switched to a DOCband, or perhapswanted a subsequent band after completing treatment with a Lermanhelmet, and went with a DOCband... here are the parent email

addresseslisted for Toluca Lake:: willis@... Amy: lposner@...Emailing , who has been to both locations, might provide someunique feedback for you to consider.At 4 months old, your son is young enough to benefit from either andactive or passive band. It'is unknown whether or not the Lermanhelmet is active or not. I can't find a website for the Lermanhelmet. Both the Lerman helmet and the DOCband are FDA approved. Have you already made consultation appts. with both locations? Wehave links to good questions to have handy when you are interviewingorthos:Cranial Tech's Questions to Ask the Doctor or Orthotist:The quality of treatment available varies widely for children withplagiocephaly. One way to avoid pitfalls is to be aware of them. Printthis page and use it for your research.http://www.cranialtech.com/Treatment/selecting.htmlOrthomerica's Questions for Parents to Ask a Prospective OrthotistFeel free to print out this list of questions and refer to them duringyour initial consultation with the orthotist. Establishing andmaintaining open lines of communication will enhance yours and yourchild's experience with a cranial remolding orthosis.http://www.orthomerica.com/products/cranial/cranial_questions.htmQuestions To Ask The Doctor and Orthotist/ClinicianOnce an official diagnosis is made and a course of treatment isplanned, many children are referred to an Orthotist or TreatmentFacility in order to obtain cranial orthosis. Here is a list ofquestions to ask the Orthotist/Clinician.http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htmQuestions for the DoctorIt is important to ask any questions that concern you. WRITE DOWN thequestions you want to ask, and take a pen (or a mini tape recorder)with you so you can write down the answers given. Here are somesuggested questions for you doctor and/or orthotist. Please feel freeto print this page...http://www.plagiocephaly.org/support/questions.htmIt's understandable that you have mixed feelings about your son havinga band. At first, the thought of a band can seem clinical or scary. But rest assured, the babies look so adorable in their decoratedbands, and at your son's younger age, his correction prospects areexcellent. Repositioning just doesn't work for everyone, and it is soimportant to

realize when repo isn't working, so that one can move onto a band in a timely manner... sometimes head shape can actuallyworsen during a failed attempt at repo. Would you keep us posted on how your decision-making is coming along?Take care,Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy) >> I am researching helmet/band options for my 4 mo. old son. He has a > flat spot on the left side of his head and his head is also starting > to bulge on the right side and the top. I'm devastated that it has > come to this, but I think that we need to get him a helmet or band as > I have tried repositioning, tummy time, keeping him off his back, etc > and nothing is helping. I live in the West Los Angeles area and it > seems that the two options are Lerman and Sons in West L.A. or Cranial >

Therapies (Doc Band) in Toluca Lake. Does anyone have any thoughts or > experiences with either of these specifically or in general?> > Thanks in advance for your help!> > Tina>

goes everywhere you do. Get it on your phone.

[Guest guest]

Christie, Thanks so much. I will try contacting the people you recommended. Will keep you posted! Tinaredlocks2003 <clkline@...> wrote: Hi Tina, I don't think we have had very many people here go to Lerman andSon's, but there is one parent email listed as using them in theHelmet/Band Database. Maybe you could try emailing them to get apersonal experience/feedback story that might help in your decision:willis@...Oddly, I found 's email also listed for the Toluca Lake DOCbandlocation, so I'm not sure if she switched to a DOCband, or perhapswanted a subsequent band after completing treatment with a Lermanhelmet, and went with a DOCband... here are the parent email addresseslisted for Toluca

Lake:: willis@... Amy: lposner@...Emailing , who has been to both locations, might provide someunique feedback for you to consider.At 4 months old, your son is young enough to benefit from either andactive or passive band. It'is unknown whether or not the Lermanhelmet is active or not. I can't find a website for the Lermanhelmet. Both the Lerman helmet and the DOCband are FDA approved. Have you already made consultation appts. with both locations? Wehave links to good questions to have handy when you are interviewingorthos:Cranial Tech's Questions to Ask the Doctor or Orthotist:The quality of treatment available varies widely for children withplagiocephaly. One way to avoid pitfalls is to be aware of them. Printthis page and use it for your research.http://www.cranialtech.com/Treatment/selecting.htmlOrthomerica's Questions for Parents to Ask a Prospective OrthotistFeel free to print out this list of questions and refer to them duringyour initial consultation with the orthotist. Establishing andmaintaining open lines of communication will enhance yours and yourchild's experience with a cranial remolding orthosis.http://www.orthomerica.com/products/cranial/cranial_questions.htmQuestions To Ask The Doctor and Orthotist/ClinicianOnce an official diagnosis is made and a course of treatment isplanned, many children are referred to an Orthotist or TreatmentFacility in order to obtain cranial orthosis. Here is a list ofquestions to ask the Orthotist/Clinician.http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htmQuestions for the DoctorIt is important to ask any questions that concern you. WRITE DOWN thequestions you want to ask, and take a pen (or a mini tape recorder)with you so you can write down the answers given. Here are somesuggested questions for you doctor and/or orthotist. Please feel freeto print this page...http://www.plagiocephaly.org/support/questions.htmIt's understandable that you have mixed feelings about your son havinga band. At first, the thought of a band can seem clinical or scary. But rest assured, the babies look so adorable in their decoratedbands, and at your son's younger age, his correction prospects areexcellent. Repositioning just doesn't work for everyone, and it is soimportant to

realize when repo isn't working, so that one can move onto a band in a timely manner... sometimes head shape can actuallyworsen during a failed attempt at repo. Would you keep us posted on how your decision-making is coming along?Take care,Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy) >> I am researching helmet/band options for my 4 mo. old son. He has a > flat spot on the left side of his head and his head is also starting > to bulge on the right side and the top. I'm devastated that it has > come to this, but I think that we need to get him a helmet or band as > I have tried repositioning, tummy time, keeping him off his back, etc > and nothing is helping. I live in the West Los Angeles area and it > seems that the two options are Lerman and Sons in West L.A. or Cranial >

Therapies (Doc Band) in Toluca Lake. Does anyone have any thoughts or > experiences with either of these specifically or in general?> > Thanks in advance for your help!> > Tina>

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[Guest guest]

First of all, start treatment now. If you insurance covers the helmet then get it - it is better than nothing. It may correct very quickly at this young age.

Second, make sure he doesn't have torticollis. You will know if he tilts his head to the side when looking at you or in a mirror. If so, ask your ped to authorize PT.

Third, even though I am not thrilled with , L & S has been responsive. They gave us a new helmet free of charge and we go in alot for adjustments(which is common). They are who Graham recommends so at least you going to the place that he would recommend.

Lastly, I have only read one journal article comparing passive vs. active out of Australia. That article found that the passive worked faster with similar results. My ped recommends passive at an early age. I think when babies get older active is better (but that is just my opinion).

Good luck and please let me know how it goes.

-----Original Message-----From: Plagiocephaly [mailto:Plagiocephaly ] On Behalf Of Tina RheeSent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 12:03 PMPlagiocephaly Subject: RE: Re: Lerman Helmet vs. Doc BandThanks for your input. It helps to get any information that I can before I make this decision. I have not seen any specialists yet. We called Dr. Graham's office and he is booked until the end of July/beginning of August so they recommended that we go directly to Lerhman and Sons. I'm not too sure how comfortable I feel about that. I spoke to but I just don't feel like I'm getting enough information. She said that her helmets are passive as opposed to active. Not sure what people think that the better recommendation is. My son is just 4 months so I would love treatment to get started as soon as possible so that it has a better chance of taking. The Doc band provider is all the way in Toluca, but that may be a better choice. Good luck.mhack@... wrote:

I have been to Lehrman and Sons and have had alot of problems. The helmet wasn't sized properly and they had to recast a new one. But she was in the wrong helmet for a month so we lost valuable correction time. at Lehrman has continually measured her head wrong. The specialist (Dr. Graham) had completely different measurements. Both my ped and Graham have had to call them and insist on correct measurements. They don't take before and after pictures, so it is hard to see progress. I have started taking pictures. All in all I would not recommend Lehrman.

I am currently getting a second opinion from Dr. Krieger on Monday. I am so frustrated as now I see some facial asymmetry where before I didn't see any. Follow your mommy instincts. I saw the torticollis at 3 mos and it took another 3 to get an actual diagnosis. She is in PT and I hope it gets better. ly I am so disheartened that I am starting to believe this will not be corrected. There is no way to change course now as we don't have the money to get the DOC band. Although I have no experience with DOC band, I can't imagine is it worse than what we are going though now.

Have you seen either Krieger or Graham? I would like to know your experience.

-----Original Message-----From: Plagiocephaly [mailto:Plagiocephaly ] On Behalf Of redlocks2003Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:01 AMPlagiocephaly Subject: Re: Lerman Helmet vs. Doc BandHi Tina, I don't think we have had very many people here go to Lerman andSon's, but there is one parent email listed as using them in theHelmet/Band Database. Maybe you could try emailing them to get apersonal experience/feedback story that might help in your decision:willis@...Oddly, I found 's email also listed for the Toluca Lake DOCbandlocation, so I'm not sure if she switched to a DOCband, or perhapswanted a subsequent band after completing treatment with a Lermanhelmet, and went with a DOCband... here are the parent email addresseslisted for Toluca Lake:: willis@... Amy: lposner@...Emailing , who has been to both locations, might provide someunique feedback for you to consider.At 4 months old, your son is young enough to benefit from either andactive or passive band. It'is unknown whether or not the Lermanhelmet is active or not. I can't find a website for the Lermanhelmet. Both the Lerman helmet and the DOCband are FDA approved. Have you already made consultation appts. with both locations? Wehave links to good questions to have handy when you are interviewingorthos:Cranial Tech's Questions to Ask the Doctor or Orthotist:The quality of treatment available varies widely for children withplagiocephaly. One way to avoid pitfalls is to be aware of them. Printthis page and use it for your research.http://www.cranialtech.com/Treatment/selecting.htmlOrthomerica's Questions for Parents to Ask a Prospective OrthotistFeel free to print out this list of questions and refer to them duringyour initial consultation with the orthotist. Establishing andmaintaining open lines of communication will enhance yours and yourchild's experience with a cranial remolding orthosis.http://www.orthomerica.com/products/cranial/cranial_questions.htmQuestions To Ask The Doctor and Orthotist/ClinicianOnce an official diagnosis is made and a course of treatment isplanned, many children are referred to an Orthotist or TreatmentFacility in order to obtain cranial orthosis. Here is a list ofquestions to ask the Orthotist/Clinician.http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htmQuestions for the DoctorIt is important to ask any questions that concern you. WRITE DOWN thequestions you want to ask, and take a pen (or a mini tape recorder)with you so you can write down the answers given. Here are somesuggested questions for you doctor and/or orthotist. Please feel freeto print this page...http://www.plagiocephaly.org/support/questions.htmIt's understandable that you have mixed feelings about your son havinga band. At first, the thought of a band can seem clinical or scary. But rest assured, the babies look so adorable in their decoratedbands, and at your son's younger age, his correction prospects areexcellent. Repositioning just doesn't work for everyone, and it is soimportant to realize when repo isn't working, so that one can move onto a band in a timely manner... sometimes head shape can actuallyworsen during a failed attempt at repo. Would you keep us posted on how your decision-making is coming along?Take care,Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy) >> I am researching helmet/band options for my 4 mo. old son. He has a > flat spot on the left side of his head and his head is also starting > to bulge on the right side and the top. I'm devastated that it has > come to this, but I think that we need to get him a helmet or band as > I have tried repositioning, tummy time, keeping him off his back, etc > and nothing is helping. I live in the West Los Angeles area and it > seems that the two options are Lerman and Sons in West L.A. or Cranial > Therapies (Doc Band) in Toluca Lake. Does anyone have any thoughts or > experiences with either of these specifically or in general?> > Thanks in advance for your help!> > Tina>

goes everywhere you do. Get it on your phone.

[Guest guest]

This is almost the same type of experience I am having with Lehrman. We are still using the helmet. We have seen improvement in her right sided flatness and forehead bump but as she gets older (she is almost 7 mos) I think the passive helmet will not be effective. I have already spent $1200 on this helmet and to go get the DOC band will cost me another $3000. This whole thing has brought me to tears as we are so tight financially and to get the DOC band would be a real hardship for us. We are seeing Dr. Krieger on Monday for a second opinion. So I am going to wait to make my decision to move then.

-----Original Message-----From: Plagiocephaly [mailto:Plagiocephaly ] On Behalf Of cutiecephalySent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:22 AMPlagiocephaly Subject: Re: Lerman Helmet vs. Doc BandHi Tina, we got a Lerman's helmet (passive) when my son was 6.5 months and we had several problems with it. It was very crooked and it put a dent on the back of baby's head after only 1 week. They added some foam inserts that irritated baby's head and sideburn, it was very severe and he never wore that helmet full time. It was also very uncomfortable for baby to sleep in it and after hours of crying I had to remove it at night because he wouldn't sleep a wink.I didn't give them a chance to rectify all these problems because I wasn't going to wait until my baby's head was worse before I did something. I went to Toluca Lake CT and we got a DOCband.My experience at CT has been much better, this band looks like it's indeed custom made and it wraps around his head perfectly, except for the areas where he needs growth. His forehead looks awesome after 5 weeks, you can hardly tell he has some bossing on the right side and he still has 7 weeks to go. The back of his head is not rounding out as well, our ortho says the back usually corrects before the asymmetry but in my case it's been the opposite because he was born with a funny looking head to begin with and his torticollis made it worse.Other differences to be aware of: Lerman's didn't take any pictures and they only measured the top of his head. The only documentation I got was a photocopy with some instructions for cleaning the helmet. At CT they took pictures from every angle, measured everything from ears, eyebrows, head, etc, they also gave me detailed instructions to check for redness, cleaning and how to do the exercises for his neck, they even gave me pamphlets in spanish so my parents could understand what plagio is and what we're doing. Also keep in mind that getting to Lerman's is a pain no matter what freeway I take, CT is a few blocks away from the freeway and I get there much faster.As a personal note I wanted to add that Lerman's people were very rude to us on several occasions, and I was told that the huge sores my baby had were normal until the helmet settled, just come back next week.By contrast, CT folks have always been nice and professional, when I had a problem with skin irritation our ortho talked to me well after business hours and he saw me the next morning. This is the kind of response we deserve when we're paying over $3k. I would recommend that you talk to both orthos, ask at Lerman's why they do passive helmets and ask at CT why they do active bands, then follow your instincts and start treatment as soon as possible. Make sure you see a physical therapist if your baby has tort!Whatever you decide you should expect good results because your baby is so young. If you need any more info you can email me or I can email you my phone number if you'd like to talk.God bless, keep us posted.Tulip and baby Chrisplagio and tort. DOCband since april 5>> I am researching helmet/band options for my 4 mo. old son. He has a > flat spot on the left side of his head and his head is also starting > to bulge on the right side and the top. I'm devastated that it has > come to this, but I think that we need to get him a helmet or band as > I have tried repositioning, tummy time, keeping him off his back, etc > and nothing is helping. I live in the West Los Angeles area and it > seems that the two options are Lerman and Sons in West L.A. or Cranial > Therapies (Doc Band) in Toluca Lake. Does anyone have any thoughts or > experiences with either of these specifically or in general?> > Thanks in advance for your help!> > Tina>

[Guest guest]

FYI - The STARband is an ACTIVE band. See Orthomerica's website:

http://www.orthomerica.com/pdf/starchart.pdf

-----Original Message-----From: Plagiocephaly [mailto:Plagiocephaly ] On Behalf Of srwautersSent: 12 May 2006 10:42 AMPlagiocephaly Subject: Re: Lerman Helmet vs. Doc BandI also live in the West LA area. I ended up going to Stellar at Stellar Orthotics and Prosthetics in Pasadena (626-584-0805). It seems far, but if you are careful to schedule appointments in the mid morning, the traffic has been manageable and the trip is only about 30 minutes. The jury is still out, but the service and professionalism of Stellar and his staff are excellent. They use the Starband and the starscanner, which is a lazer operated measuring device. The associated software creates a 3 dimensional image on the computer of the child's head and you can see a precise measurement of the child's head and progress each time you visit. Genevieve has been wearing the band for about 3 weeks and has already reduced her diagonal difference from 8.6 mm to 4.7 mm. She has had no sores or red spots, just a little contact dermatitis rash that itches her at the back of her head. Stellar has made himself very available to us, and his awareness of the nervousness of parents and the stuff that we go through is excellent. He is the parent of two young girls. He gives you the cell phone number and although we have not had to use it, I believe that he would answer and give you the attention that you need. He also has hours on Saturdays if need be.They were really excellent about making the case to the insurance company and he has obtained coverage of the band. Yeah! Also, if you have to pay for it, his service is 3,000 all in (visitis, band, everything). That is cheaper than Lerman or Cranial Technologies. I think the big difference is that Cranial Technologies uses the Doc band, which is active, and the Starband is passive. If you have a severe case and/or you have an exact idea about what shape you are going for, maybe CT is better. makes the helmet so that the head will end up symmetrical, so if the larger side of you baby's head is also kind of blocky looking, I do not know if the starband will resolve that.Good luck, and email me if you have any other questions. WautersMother of Genevieve, 11 monthsStarband from 4/22/06 - ?> >> > I am researching helmet/band options for my 4 mo. old son. He has > a > > flat spot on the left side of his head and his head is also > starting > > to bulge on the right side and the top. I'm devastated that it > has > > come to this, but I think that we need to get him a helmet or band > as > > I have tried repositioning, tummy time, keeping him off his back, > etc > > and nothing is helping. I live in the West Los Angeles area and > it > > seems that the two options are Lerman and Sons in West L.A. or > Cranial > > Therapies (Doc Band) in Toluca Lake. Does anyone have any > thoughts or > > experiences with either of these specifically or in general?> > > > Thanks in advance for your help!> > > > Tina> >>

[Guest guest]

I guess we're one of the lucky ones, we have an active STARband which I recently confirmed with the orthotist. Thanks!

Molly

California

Nicolas, 7 months, tort & plagio, STARband 4/25

, 3

, 6

-----Original Message-----From: Plagiocephaly [mailto:Plagiocephaly ] On Behalf Of starrspangledgirlSent: 12 May 2006 2:46 PMPlagiocephaly Subject: Re: Lerman Helmet vs. Doc BandMolly,Some places modify their Starband to be passive-thats a fact-ours did as do many other clinics. Thats very important for parents to realize-because that can be deceiving when youre trying to decide what helmet youre going to use. always ask your ortho if they use active or passive bands. if they wont tell you, MOVE ON!> > >> > > I am researching helmet/band options for my 4 mo. old son. He has > > a > > > flat spot on the left side of his head and his head is also > > starting > > > to bulge on the right side and the top. I'm devastated that it > > has > > > come to this, but I think that we need to get him a helmet or band > > as > > > I have tried repositioning, tummy time, keeping him off his back, > > etc > > > and nothing is helping. I live in the West Los Angeles area and > > it > > > seems that the two options are Lerman and Sons in West L.A. or > > Cranial > > > Therapies (Doc Band) in Toluca Lake. Does anyone have any > > thoughts or > > > experiences with either of these specifically or in general?> > > > > > Thanks in advance for your help!> > > > > > Tina> > >> >> > > > > > > For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

Thanks to everyone for all the info. It helps so much in making a decision. Tinasrwauters <srwauters@...> wrote: I also live in the West LA area. I ended up going to Stellar at Stellar Orthotics and Prosthetics in Pasadena (626-584-0805). It seems far, but if you are careful to schedule appointments in the mid morning, the traffic has been manageable and the trip is only about 30 minutes. The jury is still out, but the service and professionalism of Stellar and his staff are excellent. They use the Starband and the starscanner, which is a lazer operated measuring device. The associated software creates a 3 dimensional image on the computer of the child's head and you can see a precise measurement of the child's head and

progress each time you visit. Genevieve has been wearing the band for about 3 weeks and has already reduced her diagonal difference from 8.6 mm to 4.7 mm. She has had no sores or red spots, just a little contact dermatitis rash that itches her at the back of her head. Stellar has made himself very available to us, and his awareness of the nervousness of parents and the stuff that we go through is excellent. He is the parent of two young girls. He gives you the cell phone number and although we have not had to use it, I believe that he would answer and give you the attention that you need. He also has hours on Saturdays if need be.They were really excellent about making the case to the insurance company and he has obtained coverage of the band. Yeah! Also, if you have to pay for it, his service is 3,000 all in (visitis, band, everything). That is cheaper than Lerman or Cranial

Technologies. I think the big difference is that Cranial Technologies uses the Doc band, which is active, and the Starband is passive. If you have a severe case and/or you have an exact idea about what shape you are going for, maybe CT is better. makes the helmet so that the head will end up symmetrical, so if the larger side of you baby's head is also kind of blocky looking, I do not know if the starband will resolve that.Good luck, and email me if you have any other questions. WautersMother of Genevieve, 11 monthsStarband from 4/22/06 - ?> >> > I am researching helmet/band options for my 4 mo. old son. He has > a > > flat spot on the left side of his head and his head is also > starting > > to bulge on the right side and the top. I'm devastated that it > has > > come to this, but I think that we need to get him a helmet or band > as > > I have tried repositioning, tummy time, keeping him off his back, > etc > > and nothing is helping. I live in the West Los Angeles area and > it > > seems that the two options are Lerman and Sons in West L.A. or > Cranial > > Therapies (Doc Band) in Toluca

Lake. Does anyone have any > thoughts or > > experiences with either of these specifically or in general?> > > > Thanks in advance for your help!> > > > Tina> >>

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