Plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly is a type of cephalic disorder. Plagiocephaly is a condition characterized by an asymmetrical distortion (flattening of one side) of the skull. It is a common finding at birth and may be the result of a restrictive intrauterine environment. If there is premature union of skull bones, this is more properly called craniosynostosis. The unusual head shape in plagiocephaly is caused by pressure in the womb giving a "diamond" shaped head when seen from above. In pronounced cases there may be flattening of one side of the chest as well. As the child's head grows rapidly after birth, this visible inequality nearly always gets much less marked as the first year progresses.