Helmets to treat flattened skulls range in price from $1,300 to $3,000, and parents are told to make sure infants wear them around the clock.

How much does a plagiocephaly helmet cost?

Helmets to treat flattened skulls range in price from $1,300 to $3,000, and parents are told to make sure infants wear them around the clock.

How much does a Starband helmet cost?

There are several different companies that make infant helmets (Docband, Starband, and Cranial technologies to name a few) and all have different pricing. We had a Starband and if insurance doesn’t cover it, the cost from our provider was $1800 out of pocket.

Who prescribes a helmet for plagiocephaly?

If your child is diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly or scaphocephaly and is less than 12 months old, cranial remolding may be prescribed to correct the shape of the baby’s head. Helmets must be prescribed by a licensed physician.

Are helmets necessary for plagiocephaly?

Helmet therapy for plagiocephaly is always a choice; it’s never mandatory. It can be helpful in the right situation, but it’s not always needed. The head shape does often get better, with or without the use of a helmet.

What happens if plagiocephaly is untreated?

Living with plagiocephaly They can grow out of it naturally or correct it with therapy. It is unlikely to cause issues with their brain growth or function. However, if plagiocephaly is left untreated, children are at risk of developmental, neurological, or psychological difficulties.

Is STARband FDA approved?

STARband helmets have been approved by the FDA for two reasons. First STARband helmets comply with FDA enforced safety protocols. Second, they perform the function they are designed to carry out, which is to correct the shape of the skull.

Does insurance cover cranial helmets?

Cranial helmets are considered “Durable Medical Equipment ” and can absolutely be covered by insurance! Your insurance company typically wants to make sure that a helmet is medically necessary before they will cover the device.

Can flat head correct itself after 6 months?

Treatment of plagiocephaly It’s likely to fix itself as your baby grows. This is because your baby’s head shape will naturally improve as their head grows and their gross motor skills develop.

What causes deformational plagiocephaly?

Deformational, or positional, plagiocephaly is when a baby develops a flat spot on one side of the head or the whole back of the head. It happens when a baby sleeps in the same position most of the time or because of problems with the neck muscles that result in a head-turning preference.

Can plagiocephaly correct itself?

Plagiocephaly usually fixes itself as babies grow, but sometimes treatment is needed. Help prevent plagiocephaly by giving babies tummy time and alternating their head position.

Does My Baby need a helmet for plagiocephaly?

If the plagiocephaly doesn’t improve a cranial molding helmet will most likely be recommended. The goal of helmet therapy is to provide a safe environment for your baby’s head to grow into a more normal shape. The helmet does not pressure the head, but instead facilitates proper growth.

What is plagiocephaly (misshapen head)?

A misshapen or flattened head is referred to as plagiocephaly. If your baby has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly that requires medical intervention to resolve, the Orthotics & Prosthetics Center at the University of Michigan can help.

How long does plagiocephaly take to go away?

Such deformational plagiocephaly generally will improve within a few months after birth, especially if a full range of neck movement can rapidly be achieved. If the plagiocephaly doesn’t improve a cranial molding helmet will most likely be recommended.

What is a pneumatic orthotic cranial molding helmet used for?

A pneumatic orthotic cranial molding helmet for correcting positional plagiocephaly, Lee WT, Richards K, Redhed J, Papay FA. J Craniofac Surg. 2006 Jan;17 (1):139-44.