What is congenital muscular torticollis and how does it contribute to deformational plagiocephaly?
Eighty-five percent of infants diagnosed with plagiocephaly also show signs of “torticollis,” a tightness or shortening of one of the muscles located on the side of the neck. This causes the infant to continually rest his/her head in the same position. Repetitive pressure can create or contribute to a flattening of one side of the back of the skull and consequently, a prominence on the opposite side. Many times car seats, bouncy seats, swings, etc. can contribute to this condition. It is very important to not allow your baby to sit or lay in the same position with his/her head turned the same direction for long periods of time.
