Olivia's Story..
Olivia, our baby girl, is perfect to us. She was born with a full head of dark hair, huge eyes, a button nose, and perfectly healthy. About a month after bringing her home, my husband and I noticed she preferred to lie on the right side of her head. No matter how we positioned her in the crib, we quickly realized that she was going to do what she wanted. Olivia wanted to lie on the right side of her head. We laughed about it initially until we noticed the right side of her was becoming flat. Then we stopped laughing.

We asked our pediatrician about the head flattening. She educated us that this is common, and as Olivia grows and spends less time sleeping on her back, this flattening can correct. She gave us recommendations to try to correct the flattening. We bought positioners to put in her crib, we propped her head up while in the car seat, rotated her head once she was asleep, changed arms while carrying and feeding her, placing toys to encourage her to look to the left. Since I am an orthopaedic surgeon, I am aware of a problem called torticollis which can cause head flattening. Torticollis is a tightness of the neck muscles preventing full neck motion and causing head tilting. Olivia did not have this problem so we were hopeful that these tactics would help. Unfortunately, after three months, Olivia’s little head remained very flat on the posterior right side.

We consulted a plastic surgeon specializing in craniofacial reconstruction. He agreed that Olivia’s head was very flat and recommended an evaluation at the STAR Cranial Center of Excellence. He told us if intervention occurs at a young age, the results are better. Our evaluation was very easy. Olivia had pictures taken of her head to document the flattening. Then her head was scanned with the STARscanner. This machine actually measures the head in all dimensions using a light. There is no radiation. Then a computer program displays the head with all the dimensions in millimeters. This determines the asymmetry of the head and helps monitor progress during treatment. These measurements are also used to develop an actual mold of the child’s head. Then a STARband cranial remolding orthosis is hand made to custom fit each mold. The STARband does not compress the head as my husband and I initially thought. Instead, it leaves space over the flattened area for the head to grow or fill in.

Olivia’s helmet arrived about one week after she was scanned. At that appointment, we were taught how to apply and clean the STARband. Watching for skin irritation is important, too. Luckily, Olivia has not been bothered at all by the STARband. She does not mind having it put on or wearing it. Of course, we think she looks adorable in her little “helmet.” When we take her out in public, she receives positive attention. Many people know the purpose of the STARband, and many who do not know, ask.

Olivia has periodic appointments every two to four weeks to check her progress and ensure the STARband is fitting well. Often, adjustments are made to the STARband in the office. Appointments were less than 30 minutes. After five months of wearing the helmet, Olivia’s head symmetry has improved greatly. She is also growing out of her helmet. A final scan will be performed soon. We can’t wait to see her pretty smile on a perfectly round head.

Olivia’s Mommy