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

[Guest guest]

Thanks to everyone for your responses thus far. I think I'll wait until our

appointment in a couple weeks and make a final decision then, after we get

scanned again. I'll keep you posted!

Amy

Chico, CA

Zia (10.5 months, mild plagio, moderate/severe brachy)

> >

> > 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!)

> >

>