Objective: The purpose of this case study is to discuss the chiropractic care of a child diagnosed with cranial plagiocephaly due to intrauterine constraint and development delay of unknown etiology. This article will also discuss the subsequent rapid progression of developmental skills as craniosacral therapies were administered.
Patient: A Caucasian male, 8 months of age, presented with a large posterior bilateral prominence of the occipital bone. His developmental milestones were predominately equivalent to those of a 3 month old and cranial facial asymmetries were detectable. He fussed or screamed if his head was touched or if placed to sleep in the supine position due to pressure on the back of his head. His sleep and feeding habits were also abnormal.
Results: With chiropractic care, this infant's developmental milestones progressed to match his age, and his cranial facial symmetries improved even though the shape of his occipital bone changed minimally. He was able to eat normally and sleep through the night in the supine or side laying positions. He also allowed his head to be touched and caressed without fussing.
Conclusions: This is a case where attempts to remold the occipital bone were made using Upledger and Sacro-occipital Techniques. Although changes in the shape of the occipital bone were minimal the child benefited by experiencing a rapid progression of developmental skills, bringing him from grossly delayed to current. His facial features, sleeping and feeding patterns normalized, and he would allow his head to be touched.
Quezada D, Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 2004; 6(1): 342-8.