Brain Characteristics Noted Prior to and Following Cranial Orthotic Treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This case report aims to assess a potential association between cranial asymmetry, brain deformation, and associated developmental delay.

STUDY DESIGN

Two infants born at ≥37 weeks pursuing cranial orthotic treatment for severe Deformational Plagiocephaly (DP) (cranial vault asymmetry index >8.75%) underwent developmental assessment using Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and non-sedated brain structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to and following cranial orthotic treatment.

RESULTS

In both infants with DP, tractography results revealed alterations in the white matter pathways of the brain. Both infants also had low to low/normal visual receptivity and fine motor skills. After cranial orthotic treatment, cranial asymmetry improved but did not completely resolve, tractography demonstrated a change toward normalized white matter pathways, and visual receptivity and fine motor skills improved.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary findings suggest a potential link between DP, altered brain structures, and developmental assessment. Further investigation with a larger sample is warranted.