Re: question regarding treating (or not) for mild plagio/brachy

[Guest guest]

Our daughter was 12mm asymmetric which I was told was mild to mildly severe by

Cranial Tech. But there are many other numbers to consider and other numbers of

our daughters that might have contributed to the statement of " mild to mildly

severe.

Honestly, I'm not sure what all of our daughters #'s are but after reading many

posts, including those below, I do realize there are many other numbers that you

could use to make a decision. Sorry I can't be more precise, but the main

number I remember being discussed at our first appointment was that our daughter

was at 3.6% and that anything over + or - 2% then treatment was recommended.

At 12 mm there was no question to myself or husband that ABSOLUTELY our daughter

would be banded. To me her head shape was become worse, not better and I wanted

her banded as quickly as possible. If 12mm to you is questionable, I'd again

say, there must be other measurements you could use to make your decision.

Good Luck!

Jo Anne

Mom to (8 months)

Doc Band (3 1/2 weeks....with improvements already!)

Dallas, TX

> > >

> > > Hello all!

> > >

> > > It's been awhile since I've posted, though I've had a few " offline "

> > > conversations with a couple of you, for which I am very grateful.

> > >

> > > So my now-10.5-month-old daughter, Zia, has what I believe to be mild

> > > plagio and brachy. We have done a lot of repositioning stuff and

> > > worked with a physical therapist who did craniosacral treatments on

> > > her regularly for about 3 months. Both of these seem to have been

> > > helpful. We have not done a helmet/band yet, though she has been

> > > scanned twice: once by a Hanger orthotist on 8/10/09 and once by a

> > > STARband orthotist on 10/6/09. Her numbers were essentially unchanged

> > > over those two months, though her head shape seemed to be improved.

> > > Perhaps the numbers didn't reflect the improvement since it was

> > > different equipment/different orthotist; or perhaps it's just that

> > > we're getting more used to her new head shape; or that her hair is

> > > starting to cover things up; who knows!

> > >

> > > In any event, both orthotists considered her case to be " borderline, "

> > > and the STARband orthotist said that she usually graduates kids with

> > > my daughter's " numbers. " Additionally, neither the neurosurgeon nor

> > > the pediatrician are recommending a helmet, though the pediatrician

> > > did give us a script " to evaluate and treat for helmet for

> > > plagiocephaly " back in August.

> > >

> > > I want to share her (most recent) " numbers " with you and get your

> > > feedback.

> > >

> > > cranial vault assymetry: 4.5mm

> > > cephalic index: .904

> > > circumference: 433.3

> > >

> > > There are other numbers, though I don't know what they are, which I

> > > will provide in case they mean anything to any of you:

> > >

> > > HT: 31.9

> > > AP: 143.6

> > > ML: 129.8

> > > RSI: 21.8

> > >

> > > Are these truly " mild case " numbers? Is there anyone out there who

> > > had similar numbers who decided to treat? or not treat? I am still

> > > very much struggling over the decision to treat or not. We are

> > > scheduled to be re-scanned by the STARband orthotist on the Wednesday

> > > before Thanksgiving, so we'll see where things are at that point,

> > > since we believe we are seeing some improvement, and want to confirm

> > > one way or the other. My husband is not in favor of banding, though

> > > he is willing - finally - to go along with it if that is my decision.

> > > I may get clarity once I have the new numbers in a couple weeks,

> > > though I currently remain on the fence since treatment seems like

> > > such a big hassle/commitment. The STARband orthotist is nearly 3

> > > hours away, so it's a big effort above and beyond whatever the

> > > everyday effort that is involved. However, continuing to worry about

> > > NOT doing anything is a big effort in its own way.

> > >

> > > Any thoughts and personal experiences with mild plagio cases would be

> > > greatly appreciated!!

> > >

> > > I've posted a handful of pictures of Zia in the " Our Plagio Babies V

> > > - Z. " None of them are very good, but hopefully it will give you a

> > > sense of what I'm talking about. I've included one non-profile shot,

> > > just for fun and to give you a sense of what she looks like to most

> > > people, who aren't focusing on her head shape.

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance for any responses!

> > >

> > > Amy

> > > Chico, CA

> > > Zia, 10.5 months, mild plagio and brachy (I think!)

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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