Cranial Orthotic For Baby Grant

Please help us keep our sweet little one full of joy as he grows!! Our son, Grant, has a combination of what is called Brachycephaly with Plagiocephaly. There are numerous causes that lead to this diagnosis including premature birth, positioning in the womb and the overall malleability of a baby’s skull. Grant was born at 36 weeks and spent the first 8 days of his life in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Despite regular development overall, we began noticing an obvious flattening of his head at two months of age. At that time, we discussed our concerns with his pediatrician and began suggested at home interventions including repositioning techniques and exercises. At three months of age, our concerns only increased as his flat head shape was becoming significantly more noticeable and no improvement was occurring despite our efforts. After speaking with his pediatrician again, we were sent to physical therapy to look at his developing neck muscle strength. Both the pediatrician and physical therapist referred us to Cranial Technologies stating that Grant clearly needed a DOC Band (FDA-cleared cranial orthotic) for skull correction due to the severity of his head deformation. Immediate action is required as this diagnosis can only be treated within the next few months in order to correct jaw bone and facial feature development. 



Scans and measurements of Grant’s head were taken during our first appointment at Cranial Technologies. The DSi imaging report showed that he is a Moderate-Severe case of Brachycephaly with Plagiocephaly and a DOC band is required to correct the skull shape before further complications arise. The DOC Band will correct the skull base- which serves to ensure the structural integrity, alignment and function of everything else built upon it. The images displayed below show where Grant scored in his proportionality measurements as well as his head shape in comparison to an average head shape. His images and measurements show a slant in his skull shape, misalignment in the jawbone structure and an imbalance in overall growth. These issues if left untreated will continue to worsen and can lead to potentially life-altering defects including jaw bone misalignment, eye and ear problems and impacts on overall brain/motor skill development. His disproportional head shape will also impact his ability to wear safety helmets (such as for a bicycle) later in life if left untreated. 


 
>>>Intervention for Brachycephaly and Plagiocephaly is TIME SENSITIVE<<< A child’s skull shape is nearly complete by one year of age. The earlier a child can receive a DOC Band, the more significant the results will be due to the speed of growth spurts. We are very fortunate that the process is starting so early for him and are extremely hopeful for the outcome.


TREATMENT PLAN: Once Grant receives his DOC Band we will drive 2+ hours per week to Cranial Technologies for adjustments and scans. The DOC Band will continually be shaved down to allow space for the skull to grow in the designated areas. Grant will wear the DOC Band 23 hours per day until treatment is complete. More information about the DOC Band can be found at https://www.cranialtech.com/treatment/the-doc-band/ 

The problem we face is that not all insurance companies will cover DOC Bands and others have limitations on coverage. Since Grant falls in the “severe” category he will likely need a second DOC Band once he outgrows the first in order to receive optimal results. Our insurance will cover a small portion of treatment (thankfully!) however, the coverage has its limitations and it is not nearly enough. We are seeking assistance to cover the remaining cost of treatment. Any support with this financial burden would be a huge blessing!



Thank you for any donations, prayers and shares of our story.