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newlywedT
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 792 total posts
Name:
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Flat Spot help/advice
Our daughter is 6 months now.
The pediatrician we go to is a "group", so we see a different doctor every time we go in for the wellness visits.
At the month 3 Doctor A mentioned to my wife that DD has a flat spot on the back right because she turns her head to the Right when she sleeps.
We've tried moving her head when she sleeps but she either flips back to her normal sleeping position or she wakes up crying because we disturbed her.
At the month 4 visit Doctor B said to keep her off her flat spot and that it was serious and we need to do it.
The thing is, she doesn't sleep turned to the right anymore.
She sleeps lying on her left side.
So even though she doesn't sleep turned to the right, her flat spot has not improved and it looks (to me) pretty bad. If you look at her head from above, its very obvious that its flat on the back right side (and her left side of the head is getting flat also)
At the month 6 visit, I asked about her flat spot and Doctor C said - "She's older so she will spend less time on her back, it will clear up." I asked about the helmet, and she said "I don't think they even do that anymore"
Not sure what to do, her next visit is in 9 months, and I'm worried it will be too late by then.
I'm learning now, the problem with going to a group of doctors, everyone has their own opinion. Month 4 doctor said it was serious (and I agree) but month 6 did not seem concerned.
Thanks
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Posted 12/1/14 1:41 PM  |
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jams92
Member since 1/12 6105 total posts
Name:
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
unfortunately i do not have advice on what to do about the flat spot - but i do know they still do helmets. I am not sure if that is something an orthopedist does or what but maybe try to find a specialist for peace of mind
I just wanted to say in terms of going to a group of doctors, that is what we do. I believe there are 6 or 7 in the practice. i have my favorite and i always make my appts with him. the only time i see other doctors are for sick visits. i think having a consistent doctor is helpful especially when dealing with a newborn. there should be no need for you to rotate through the group - you should be able to make an appt with your doctor of choice for well visits
good luck
Message edited 12/1/2014 1:51:50 PM.
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| Posted 12/1/14 1:50 PM |
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newlywedT
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 792 total posts
Name:
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Flat Spot help/advice
I agree about seeing just 1 doctor.
The problem is (one reason why we choose the group) is both my wife and I work long hours, so we figured with a big pool of doctors we can always get an appointment that fits with our work schedule.
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| Posted 12/1/14 1:54 PM |
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iluvmynutty
Mom to E&M
Member since 12/08 1762 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
They definitely still use the helmet to correct pelgiocephally (flat spot). Do you think she might have a slight case of torticolis which is prevent her from being comfy with her head turned to the other direction or are you sure it's just a preference? I would seek out a 2nd opinion aside from your Pediaric group.
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| Posted 12/1/14 1:57 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Flat Spot help/advice
Go see a neurologist. Let them tell you if a helmet is needed.
My DS had a flat spot and by 6-9 months it was gone on its own. If you are not seeing an improvement I would def see the specialist.
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| Posted 12/1/14 1:57 PM |
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newlywedT
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 792 total posts
Name:
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Flat Spot help/advice
iluvmynutty
>Do you think she might have a slight case of torticolis which is prevent her from being comfy with her head turned to the other direction or are you sure it's just a preference
I don't think she has an issue with her neck, I think its just a preference.
alli3131
>Go see a neurologist. Let them tell you if a helmet is needed.
Aren't neurologists for the nervous system?
This would be a structural/bone issue
Thanks
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| Posted 12/1/14 2:10 PM |
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Linzee636
LIF Toddler
Member since 2/11 454 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
Posted by alli3131
Go see a neurologist. Let them tell you if a helmet is needed.
My DS had a flat spot and by 6-9 months it was gone on its own. If you are not seeing an improvement I would def see the specialist.
I agree with this. I see a group of pediatricians as well and at the 3 month appointment, one of the doctors expressed a concern about DS's flat spot, so I took some information on a neurologist's office to have it looked into further.
DS was probably around 4-5 months old by the time I finally got him into that appt, and while the neurologist was able to confirm that he would be a good candidate for the helmet, he emphasized over and over, it is purely cosmetic. There was no neurological impairment for my DS because of this flat spot, just the way his head is shaped.
My DH and I opted to not have him wear the helmet. It would've been 22 hours a day for a few months and he was just around the age where he started sitting up on his own more and changing from side to side in his sleep. Now we just reached his 1st birthday and it's a non-issue. Sure, underneath his full head of hair, he still has a flatter spot in the back, but overall the shape of his head looks perfect to us and you wouldn't know anything otherwise by just looking at him.
Bottom line: get the professional's opinion and then trust your gut with the information you are given. And another side note about seeing a group of dr's, if you have concerns about conflicting information, don't be afraid to question why one doctor may differ in their advice from the next. Some simply have old school vs new school opinions, but ultimately both rooted in sound medical advice. Good luck!
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| Posted 12/1/14 2:15 PM |
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newlywedT
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 792 total posts
Name:
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Flat Spot help/advice
Linzee636
>And another side note about seeing a group of dr's, if you have concerns about conflicting information, don't be afraid to question why one doctor may differ in their advice from the next
Speaking of which. DD has bad skin...very bad skin :(
Doc A said it was baby acne and it will clear up
Doc B said it could be due to dairy protein sensitivity in the breast milk so my wife cut out dairy
Doc C said it is NOT dairy protein sensitivity. He said my wife would have to drink gallons of milk a day for anything to get through into the breast milk
what the heck!
Its like reading those medical warnings on prescriptions:
This will make you very drowsy or it will give you insomnia
This will make you feel chills or it will make you feel hot
This will make you have to go to the bathroom or it will 'stop' you up and you won't go to the bathroom
what the heck!
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| Posted 12/1/14 2:24 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
Posted by newlywedT
iluvmynutty
>Do you think she might have a slight case of torticolis which is prevent her from being comfy with her head turned to the other direction or are you sure it's just a preference
I don't think she has an issue with her neck, I think its just a preference.
alli3131
>Go see a neurologist. Let them tell you if a helmet is needed.
Aren't neurologists for the nervous system?
This would be a structural/bone issue
Thanks
No the neuro is who you would see and then they would give you r the script for the helmet if needed.
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| Posted 12/1/14 2:29 PM |
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phoenix913
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3034 total posts
Name:
V
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
Posted by alli3131
Go see a neurologist. Let them tell you if a helmet is needed.
THIS! My ped did not agree with me that my DS's flat spot was bad, but I pushed for a recommendation for a neurologist and the neuro agreed with me. He needed a helmet. It can't hurt at all to have your child checked out. The sooner the better b/c the longer you wait the harder it is to correct and the longer it takes. Good luck!
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| Posted 12/1/14 3:08 PM |
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GoodThoughts
Dreams do come true
Member since 2/12 2259 total posts
Name:
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
100% make an appointment with a neurologist. My DD needed a helmet and I am so glad that I ignored what my pediatrician said. I
Also, I am absolutely shocked that you saw a pediatrician who thinks helmets aren't used any longer.
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| Posted 12/1/14 3:14 PM |
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PaddysGirl
Little princess is here!
Member since 4/07 5923 total posts
Name:
Crystal
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Flat Spot help/advice
I see a group but I make my appts with the same doctor. This is bc my dd had a lot of reflux issue and I knew she knew my daughter. We too had the flat head. We tried to keep her off the back of her head during the day and as she got older we would,prop her up. My doctor told is it was a cosmetic issue and if it got worse to go for the helmet consult. I noticed a difference by 6 months so we opted against it. She's almost 9 months, it is a little flat but her hair will cover it.
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| Posted 12/1/14 4:44 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
Posted by PaddysGirl
I see a group but I make my appts with the same doctor. This is bc my dd had a lot of reflux issue and I knew she knew my daughter. We too had the flat head. We tried to keep her off the back of her head during the day and as she got older we would,prop her up. My doctor told is it was a cosmetic issue and if it got worse to go for the helmet consult. I noticed a difference by 6 months so we opted against it. She's almost 9 months, it is a little flat but her hair will cover it.
It's not always a cosmetic issue and should be checked out.
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| Posted 12/1/14 4:48 PM |
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reneemarie2
LIF Infant
Member since 7/08 269 total posts
Name:
Renee
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
When we were looking into the very same thing for my DS, we were referred to a neurosurgeon. He was already seeing a neurologist, and she sent us to the neurosurgeon for the flat head. We saw Dr. Egnor out of Stony Brook.
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| Posted 12/1/14 8:44 PM |
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Flat Spot help/advice
I would make a consult appt with a pediatric neurologist/neurosurgeon, don't wait for the 9 month appt. That dr is who I would trust to tell me helmet vs no helmet is needed. If your child ends up needing a helmet, it's best to start earlier. My DS had plagiocephaly due to torticollis. He did not need the helmet; but I was concerned because a flat spot if significant enough can sometimes can lead to facial asymmetry, problems with jaw etc. I took him to Dr Mark Mittler. He's in Manhasset affiliated with North Shore. He was wonderful!
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| Posted 12/2/14 12:02 AM |
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Leb
LIF Adult
Member since 12/09 4166 total posts
Name:
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Flat Spot help/advice
At 4mos check up they noticed one w dd. At 5mos despite tummy time it was suggested I check with a PT. I bought a boppy noggin best for her head. It would up she had tortocolis. She did PT for it helped a lot. There is only a small window before the muscles grow a certain way and range of motion is limited. I would go for a consult with a PT. Also the noggin nest was great too.
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| Posted 12/2/14 12:02 AM |
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Lola64
She is my heart!
Member since 1/11 1110 total posts
Name:
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
We noticed that DD has a flatter side on her right side. We thought it was because she was sleeping mostly on her right side as well. But as I've gone through pictures I've noticed that she has had this since birth. Our dr said it would get better with time but to still keep an eye on which side she sleeps on. She naps during the day on her left side but sleeps on her back overnight.
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| Posted 12/2/14 9:36 AM |
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skinny
3 boys and a princess!
Member since 11/08 8178 total posts
Name:
Momma
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
Love Dr. Mittler. I can't say enough great things about him.
Definitely get it checked out. Dr. Mittler will not push you to get a helmet unless he thinks it is absolutely necessary. We also saw Dr. Egnor but didn't care for him as much.
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| Posted 12/2/14 10:53 AM |
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newlywedT
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 792 total posts
Name:
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
Thanks for all the information.
Anyone know of a neurologist in NYC?
We placed a call to the pediatrician for a recommendation but we're still waiting for a call back.
Thanks
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| Posted 12/2/14 11:36 AM |
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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
I'm dealing with this right now too, problem is, my DS is 12 months old. I've been asking about it since about 3 months and they have kept telling me it is fine...to give him his vitamins. I don't know how that would magically correct it! We go to a practice too, but all the docs have said it is ok. His head is obviously flat on one side. We're going to see a neurosurgeon next week. Not sure if they can do anything at this point. I'm so angry!!! The doc's name is Dr. Mittler. He is in New Hyde Park; not sure if that is too far for you. He was very highly recommended on this site.
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| Posted 12/2/14 3:13 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
Posted by newlywedT
Thanks for all the information.
Anyone know of a neurologist in NYC?
We placed a call to the pediatrician for a recommendation but we're still waiting for a call back.
Thanks
I initially thought DS had a much larger issue than just a a flat spot and I was going to take him to Columbia/NYPH or Montifiore.
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| Posted 12/2/14 4:35 PM |
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Mrs213
????????
Member since 2/09 18986 total posts
Name:
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Flat Spot help/advice
We go to a group but see one dr consistently. I will tell you that dd had what looked to me like a very flat head. Dr was not concerned in any way. At 2 yrs old her head is completely round. I was sick to my stomach second guessing myself if should get a second opinion. I didn't, I trusted the dr and everything ended up being fine. If you think you need a second opinion for peace of mind I say absolutely see the neurologist. However it seems they only do the helmets in severe situations...
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| Posted 12/2/14 4:46 PM |
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newlywedT
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 792 total posts
Name:
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Flat Spot help/advice
Just called Dr. Mittler's office.
He doesn't take our insurance (Aetna pos) but it would be $400 for an exam.
Oh well....
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| Posted 12/17/14 12:11 PM |
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islandersgirl74
Love Being A Mommy!
Member since 6/06 5804 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Flat Spot help/advice
Posted by Leb
At 4mos check up they noticed one w dd. At 5mos despite tummy time it was suggested I check with a PT. I bought a boppy noggin best for her head. It would up she had tortocolis. She did PT for it helped a lot. There is only a small window before the muscles grow a certain way and range of motion is limited. I would go for a consult with a PT. Also the noggin nest was great too.
same exact story with my daughter. Her PT was amazing and gave us so many different suggestions and exercises to try. She only had to go for a few weeks and it worked wonders for her.
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| Posted 12/17/14 12:35 PM |
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newlywedT
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 792 total posts
Name:
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Flat Spot help/advice
Question about tortocolis...did you daughter have trouble facing one direction?
She can turn her head to either side without issues (that I can see).
she just prefers to sleep facing the right.
Does that mean tortocolis can be ruled out?
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| Posted 12/17/14 12:41 PM |
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