As I mentioned in yesterday's post we were going to see a specialist today to see how mild or severe the flat spot on Jack's head is...
What they do is measure the diagonals of a baby's head and subtract the difference. In a perfect world, there is a 0mm difference, but hardly anyone (child or adult) has a perfectly symmetrically head. So they hope for it to be under 6mm. It is considered minor if it is under 8mm and recommend that you continue to lay baby on side to sleep & keep them upright during their awake hours. From 8-12mm is considered moderate, and 16mm+ is considered extremely severe.
Jack measured an 11mm difference. The orthotist said that he could tell it has already improved since it is not a straight flat spot (i.e. the flat spot is getting a rounded curve to it); so what we are doing is helping. We go back on April 12th to reevaluate Jack's head. If the difference decreases we will do nothing. However, if the difference remains the same or increases Jack will have to wear a molding helmet for anywhere from 1 month to 6 months - just depends on how quickly the issue resolves.
The four major areas that can be effected by plagiocephaly are eyesight, hearing, jaw, and brain development. Nick, the orthotist, does not believe that Jack's condition is causing damage to him in any of these areas - it is purely cosmetic! Thank goodness!!! :-)
So for now, we pray that positioning will continue to improve the shape of Jack's head and that next month we will get good news that Jack is headed (non-pun intended, lol) back towards the 'normal' range.
Gotta go finish up my corned beef & cabbage and get ready for swim lessons. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Ciao.
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