--- title: Quick & Easy Guide to Different Types of Flat Head Syndrome description: If flat head syndrome is confusing condition you, let this resource be a quick and easy guide to the different variations of it. Learn more here. image: https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/baby_head_shape.jpeg --- X #### This page will now redirect to our sister company's website 3dorthopro.com [Okay](https://3dorthopro.com/) No, thank you. [![Technology in Motion Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/tech-in-motion.svg)](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/) [![Technology in Motion Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/tech-in-motion-mob.svg)](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/) [Book a pre-assessment](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/book-an-assessment) ![Search Icon](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/search.svg) - Cranial remoulding helmets - [TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/tim-band-air) - [Design your helmet](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/helmet-design) - [Why TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/why-tim-band-air) - [Your treatment plan](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/your-treatment-plan) - [3D progress viewer](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/3d-viewer) - [Wearing & care guide](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/wearing-and-care-guide) - Protective helmets - [TiMbandAir Protect](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/protective-helmets/tim-band-air-protect) - [Head Shape Abnormalities](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities) - [Scaphocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/scaphocephaly) - [Plagiocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/plagiocephaly) - [Bracyhcephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/brachycephaly) - [Dolichocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/dolichocephaly) - [Torticollis](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/torticollis) - [Craniosynostosis](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/craniosynostosis) - [Treatment Plan](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/craniosynostosis/craniosynostosis-treatment-plan) - [Community & resources](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources) - [Repositioning](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/repositioning) - [Blogs](https://technologyinmotion.com/blog) - [Patient Stories](https://technologyinmotion.com/blog/tag/patient-stories) - [Research](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/research-on-plagiocephaly) - [Glossary](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/glossary) - [FAQs](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/faqs) - [About us and Pricing](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us) - [What we do](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/what-we-do) - [Pricing](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/pricing) - [3D Technology](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/3d-technology) - [3D Products](https://3dorthopro.com/) - [Meet your clinicians](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/our-team) - [Join the network](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/join-the-network) - [Our NHS partnerships](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/partnership-with-nhs-trusts) - [News](https://6887174.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/news-article) - [Contact and Clinic Locations](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact) - [Book an assessment](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/book-an-assessment) - [Our clinics](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/our-clinics) - Cranial remoulding helmets - [TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/tim-band-air) - [Design your helmet](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/helmet-design) - [Why TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/why-tim-band-air) - [Your treatment plan](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/your-treatment-plan) - [3D progress viewer](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/3d-viewer) - [Wearing & care guide](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/wearing-and-care-guide) - Protective helmets - [TiMbandAir Protect](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/protective-helmets/tim-band-air-protect) - [Head Shape Abnormalities](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities) - [Scaphocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/scaphocephaly) - [Plagiocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/plagiocephaly) - [Bracyhcephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/brachycephaly) - [Dolichocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/dolichocephaly) - [Torticollis](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/torticollis) - [Craniosynostosis](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/craniosynostosis) - [Treatment Plan](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/craniosynostosis/craniosynostosis-treatment-plan) - [Community & resources](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources) - [Repositioning](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/repositioning) - [Blogs](https://technologyinmotion.com/blog) - [Patient Stories](https://technologyinmotion.com/blog/tag/patient-stories) - [Research](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/research-on-plagiocephaly) - [Glossary](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/glossary) - [FAQs](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/faqs) - [About us and Pricing](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us) - [What we do](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/what-we-do) - [Pricing](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/pricing) - [3D Technology](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/3d-technology) - [3D Products](https://3dorthopro.com/) - [Meet your clinicians](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/our-team) - [Join the network](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/join-the-network) - [Our NHS partnerships](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/partnership-with-nhs-trusts) - [News](https://6887174.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/news-article) - [Contact and Clinic Locations](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact) - [Book an assessment](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/book-an-assessment) - [Our clinics](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/our-clinics) Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # A Quick and Easy Guide to the Different Types of Flat Head Syndrome [Previous](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/is-flat-head-syndrome-genetic) [Next](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/plagiocephaly-in-summer) ![Quick & Easy Guide to Different Types of Flat Head Syndrome](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/baby_head_shape.jpeg)   If you've noticed a flattening on your baby's head and have been trying to do your research online or via various other resources, you may be a little overwhelmed at the different types of flat head syndrome and what each variation means. Flat head syndrome is understandably a confusing condition for many who are only just finding out about it, so let this resource be a quick and easy guide to the different types of flat head syndrome. #### Flat Head Syndrome Definition [Flat Head Syndrome](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities) is the umbrella term used to describe various conditions whereby a deformity in a head shape is present. Flat head syndrome in babies can occur due to a number of reasons and can present itself in different forms, defined by the following conditions: ##### Plagiocephaly One of the most commonly heard of variations of flat head syndrome is named [plagiocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/plagiocephaly). This condition is characterised by an **asymmetrical** head shape, which many parents notice when their baby is around eight weeks of age. When looking down on a baby's head, plagiocephaly can usually be identified as a **flattening to the side of the skull **behind the ear. Additionally, you might also see that the brow and the cheek on this side is pushed forward. A plagiocephaly head shape resembles a **parallelogram** whereby there is a flattening at the back on one side of the head and a bulging area on the same side at the front. This is most easily seen when looking down on the head shape from above. When a baby has a misshapen head, parents naturally wonder about the cause of it and whether it's something they would have been able to prevent. If this applies to you, head over to our guide to find out the common causes of plagiocephaly. Although the condition can't be prevented in some cases, it can be minimised if caught early enough and there are some good techniques for parents to be aware of in regards to helping [prevent a flattening from developing](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/prevention-and-treatment-of-babies-with-flat-head). ##### Brachycephaly Another type of flat head syndrome is known as [brachycephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/brachycephaly), which shows as a **wide head shape** and a **flattening across the back of the skull**. The key difference between plagiocephaly and brachycephaly is that, unlike plagiocephaly, brachycephaly does not involve any asymmetry, rather just a wider head shape. It is important to note that many babies with flat head syndrome have a combination of bothplagiocephaly and brachycephaly, so the conditions can look very different between babies. When looking at a brachcephaly head shape from the side, the shape often looks high at the back and the brow might have been pushed forward too.   ##### **Scaphocephaly** This head shape is far less common than plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. [Scaphocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities/scaphocephaly) is the term used to describe a **long and thin head shape**, and sometimes the ears are not aligned for babies with this condition. The condition is sometimes also referred to as *dolichocephaly*. A scaphocephaly head shape can be caused by an early fusion of one or more of the sutures between the head bones. This is called a synostosis but there are many cases where it is a deformational condition. If there is a synostosis this cannot simply be treated by a cranial helmet and in such cases, surgery is required to correct the condition, after which a helmet can be used to help correct the remaining head shape deformity if desired.   #### Treatment for the Different Types of Flat Head Syndrome Here at Technology in Motion, we see a variety of baby head shapes of different severities. Some parents catch their baby's flat head syndrome very early on in which case we recommend utilising [repositioning techniques](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/repositioning-guide) to correct the plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. These techniques are usually successful when started at an early age and when the flat head syndrome condition is still relatively mild. However, although these measures are often successful for mild cases, they often aren't enough to correct more severe cases of flat head syndrome in babies, particularly if repositioning techniques haven't worked thus far. In such circumstances, our [effective cranial helmet treatment](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/tim-band-air) can work wonders in correcting a head shape, as long as babies are between the age of 4 and 14 months, with the best results being achieved between 4 and 7 months of age. #### Do the Different Types of Flat Head Syndrome *Need* to be Treated? As the prevalence of flat head syndrome increased after the important [back to sleep campaign](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/the-back-to-sleep-campaign-and-plagiocephaly) in the 1990's, the true effects of untreated flat head syndrome haven't had a lot of coverage as many of that generation are still relatively young. However, it is truly important for parents to be aware of the effects of untreated conditions when deciding whether to opt for treatment or not. Our previous guide explains the [long-term effects associated with plagiocephaly](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/the-long-term-effects-of-plagiocephaly), which are also relevant to brachycephaly. Our [blog post on untreated flat head syndrome](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-dont-treat-flat-head-syndrome) covers some further points. [![Twitter Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/twitter-1.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/a-quick-and-easy-guide-to-the-different-types-of-flat-head-syndrome&text=Quick%20&%20Easy%20Guide%20to%20Different%20Types%20of%20Flat%20Head%20Syndrome) [![Facebook Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/fb.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/a-quick-and-easy-guide-to-the-different-types-of-flat-head-syndrome) [![LinkedIn Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/LinkedIn%20Icon%20.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/a-quick-and-easy-guide-to-the-different-types-of-flat-head-syndrome&title=Quick%20&%20Easy%20Guide%20to%20Different%20Types%20of%20Flat%20Head%20Syndrome) ## More from our community… ###### [![](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Pillow%20-%20Blog%20Header%20-%201200x630%20-%2002.webp) Blog post Sleeping Systems and Pillows There are sleeping systems and pillows on the market which may provide benefits but only up to the ages of 4 to 5 months, before your baby starts to roll over. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/sleeping-systems-and-pillows) ###### [![](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Pillow%20-%20Blog%20Header%20-%201200x630%20-%2002.jpg) Blog post Can Pillows Correct a Flat Head Shape Wondering if pillows can help with flat head shape? Learn about safe options, alternative techniques, and when to consider helmet therapy. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/can-pillows-correct-a-flat-head-shape) ###### [![Red Dot Award Winner: TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/TIM0016%20December%20Social%20and%20Blogs_Blog%20Header_1200x630.png) Blog post Red Dot award-winning triumph in product design excellence Discover the innovation behind Technology in Motion's TiMbandAir helmet, honoured with the prestigious Red Dot Award Best of the Best. Uncover the design excellence and groundbreaking features that set this helmet apart. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/timbandair-red-dot-award) [View all articles](https://6887174.hs-sites.com/blog) #### Quick Links - [Contact](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact) - [TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/tim-band-air) - [Head Shape Difference](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities) - [Pricing](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/pricing) #### Legal Links - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cookie-policy) #### Get in touch [0330 100 1800](tel:03301001800) [info@technologyinmotion.com](mailto:info@technologyinmotion.com) Opening Hours Mon to Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: Head Office closed, some clinics open Sun: Closed [Find a clinic](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/our-clinics) [![](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/TiM_Footer_logo.svg)](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/) Visit our sister company [3D Ortho Pro](https://3dorthopro.com/) to learn about our other 3D Orthotic Products [![Facebook Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/technoinmotion/?locale=en_GB) [![Instagram Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/technologyinmotion/) [![LinkedIn Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/linked_in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/technology-in-motion) [![YouTube Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@technologymotion) © 2023 Technology in Motion. Created by [Coffee Design](https://coffee-design.co.uk/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "TiM", "url" : "https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/author/tim" }, "dateModified" : "2023-10-06T08:24:39.100Z", "datePublished" : "2023-09-19T12:24:27.000Z", "headline" : "Quick & Easy Guide to Different Types of Flat Head Syndrome", "image" : [ "https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/baby_head_shape.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/a-quick-and-easy-guide-to-the-different-types-of-flat-head-syndrome", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/3DOP%20LOGO3DOP%20LOGO%20-%20COLOUR.jpg" }, "name" : "Technology in Motion" } } ```