Title: Congential Muscular Torticollis: An Overview
Headings: Congential Muscular Torticollis: An Overview
Congential Muscular Torticollis: An Overview
What is Torticollis? How is it Diagnosed?
Symptoms
Possible Causes
Impact
What Can Be Done at Home?
Treatment of Congenital Muscular Torticollis
Physical Therapy
Secondary Issues: Plagiocephaly in Torticollis
Authors
Pediatric Rehabilitation Center
Hospital for Special Surgery
In-person and virtual
physician appointments
Urgent Ortho Care

Content: Plagiocephaly in Torticollis
The term " plagiocephaly " refers to an asymmetric appearance of an infant's head. Plagiocephaly is seen commonly with torticollis, because infants tend to keep their heads turned to one side. Plagiocephaly appears in 27-61% of those with torticollis. Other associated facial asymmetries may include uneven eyes and ears and a fuller cheek on one side. Plagiocephaly may present in several ways. True plagiocephaly is an oblique flattening of one side of the baby's head with a protruding forehead on one side. Other craniofacial asymmetries include brachycephaly, where the entire back of the head is flat, and scaphocephaly, where the head shape is long and narrow with flattening on both sides. A child can also have a combination of more than one craniofacial asymmetry. Flattening of the top of the head, as shown by the white arrow
Positional plagiocephaly is caused by prolonged and asymmetric pressure on the head. This may happen because of intrauterine positioning (in the womb), prolonged time in any reclined positioner or carrier, decreased tolerance for tummy time, or torticollis.