Plagiocephaly vs Brachycephaly: 5 Key Differences
Deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are often confused. Their signs, treatment process and need for intervention all differ.
Difference in head shape
Plagiocephaly: Seen from above, the head looks like a parallelogram — flattening on one side and diagonal asymmetry.
Brachycephaly: The back of the head is flat and wide — the head is short from front to back and wide from side to side.
Affected area
Plagiocephaly affects one side; brachycephaly affects the back of the head symmetrically.
Facial asymmetry
Plagiocephaly is associated with asymmetry of the forehead, cheeks and ears; with brachycephaly, the face is usually symmetrical.
Associated torticollis
Plagiocephaly often occurs together with torticollis; brachycephaly is mostly positional in origin.
Duration of cranial orthosis
A cranial orthosis (helmet) is used in both conditions. On average: plagiocephaly 12–24 weeks; brachycephaly 12–20 weeks.
Conclusion
Both conditions can be treated successfully when diagnosed early. Please don't try to diagnose your baby without a specialist assessment.