title: Assessing asymmetrical infant head shapes.
abstract: The number of infants with cranial asymmetry has increased since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that infants sleep on their backs or sides. Here, learn to distinguish positional molding (positional plagiocephaly) from premature closure of cranial sutures (craniosynostosis). A clinical examination and x-rays aid diagnosis, allowing initiation of interventions that prevent permanent skull deformities.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009989:Orthotic Devices