What are the long-term consequences of plagiocephaly?
Cranial deformities in infants, if treated in a timely manner, have no effect on their
development. Now, if it is not remedied in time, the consequences of plagiocephaly can be:
1) Physical Issues
The head’s uneven growth can cause facial asymmetry, including misalignment of the eyes and ears. Plagiocephaly can also lead to an uneven jaw, which may result in orthodontic issues with
permanent teeth.
2) Risk of Developmental Delays
Studies suggest that positional plagiocephaly is a risk factor for developmental delays in motor, language, and cognitive areas.
3) Speech Problems
Other possible consequences of plagiocephaly are difficulties in language development. Many children have even needed the help of a speech therapist during early childhood. This of course, in cases where no treatment has been used.
4) Visual and hearing problems
Cases have been found where these children, in some occasions, have suffered several problems in the correct functioning of these two senses .
