PLAGIOCEPHALY Meaning and
Definition
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Plagiocephaly is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by an abnormally flattened or misshapen head. It commonly occurs in infants, particularly during their first few months of life. Plagiocephaly can be categorized into two main types: positional plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis.
Positional plagiocephaly, also known as deformational plagiocephaly, is the more prevalent form and usually results from external factors such as prolonged periods of lying on one side of the head or consistently resting in one position. This can cause the infant's skull to become asymmetrical or flattened in areas. This type of plagiocephaly is generally considered cosmetic and does not cause any long-term medical issues.
On the other hand, craniosynostosis is a less common and more severe form of plagiocephaly that occurs when the sutures (fibrous joints) in an infant's skull fuse prematurely. This fusion disrupts normal skull growth and can lead to increased intracranial pressure and potential brain development problems. Craniosynostosis typically requires surgical intervention to correct the premature fusion and address any associated issues.
The diagnosis of plagiocephaly is often made based on physical examination by a healthcare professional who will observe the shape of the head and skull. Treatment options depend on the type and severity of plagiocephaly and may include repositioning techniques, the use of specialized helmets or bands to help reshape the head, physical therapy, or in more severe cases of craniosynostosis, surgery. The prognosis for infants with plagiocephaly, particularly positional plagiocephaly, is generally positive, and with appropriate interventions, the head shape can often improve over time. However, early intervention is key to achieving
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A deformity marked by an obliquity of the skull, one side being more developed anteriorly, the other side posteriorly.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLAGIOCEPHALY
- olagiocephaly
- llagiocephaly
- -lagiocephaly
- 0lagiocephaly
- pkagiocephaly
- ppagiocephaly
- poagiocephaly
- plzgiocephaly
- plsgiocephaly
- plwgiocephaly
- plqgiocephaly
- plafiocephaly
- plaviocephaly
- plabiocephaly
- plahiocephaly
- playiocephaly
- platiocephaly
- plaguocephaly
- plagjocephaly
Etymology of PLAGIOCEPHALY
The word plagiocephaly is derived from two Greek roots: plagio meaning oblique or slanting, and cephaly meaning head.
Similar spelling words for PLAGIOCEPHALY
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