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 Little Alexander Schultz was treated for plagiocephaly at a private clinic |
Brave Alexander is in great shape!
Why parents were forced to go private to find ‘cosmetic’ head deformity treatment for their baby
EVERY expectant couple wants their baby to be perfect.
So when West Hampstead parents Maria and Mortem Schultz discovered their child had developed a deformed head during birth they were naturally upset.
Alexander Schultz, now one, was diagnosed with severe plagiocephaly, also known as Flat Head Syndrome. Specialists advised that the baby’s face could be permanently damaged and that a series of operations would be needed in later life.
“I have to admit my husband and I were both devastated at this point,” said Mrs Schultz. “We couldn’t help but worry – every parent wants their child to look perfect. I was so worried for my baby, what was going to happen to him, the thought of his head being operated on was just terrifying.”
Plagiocephaly is a flattening of the head on one side, which gives the impression of a diamond shaped. The baby’s eyes often appear to be in an unnatural position and hair does not grow on the side of the scalp that is affected.
Mrs Schultz said: “I did a lot of research on the internet on the condition and read about other parents who were going through the same anguish as us. It was so comforting to read other people’s stories. It was online that I learned more about the treatments available.”
But the treatment programme, called “cranial remoulding”, in which a specially fitted helmet is worn by the baby for around six months, is currently not available on the NHS because it is classed as cosmetic surgery. The Schultzes were instead forced to find thousands of pounds to attend the private Technology in Motion clinic in Wimbledon.
Mrs Schultz said: “I do wish that it was funded on the NHS. The cranial remoulding is currently seen purely as a cosmetic treatment which we strongly disagree about.
“In Alexander’s case his condition was classed as severe. This actually means that normal head protection gear such as cycle helmets would not give him the protection required. Wanting to correct this has nothing to do with cosmetic looks, but simply being able to offer our child a normal level of safety, now and in the years to come.”
Sally Hews, who treated Alexander at the clinic in Wimbledon, said: “Deformational plagiocephaly is a common condition. Along with deformities to the back of the head, it can also cause asymmetry of facial features such as uneven eye and ear positioning.
“Problems in later life can include bullying at school, low self-esteem and dental problems caused by a misaligned jaw, as well as difficulty getting glasses and bike or riding hats to fit properly.”
Thankfully, Alexander can look forward to a normal childhood after the helmet completely corrected his head after just under six months. Mrs Schultz said she believes the treatment had been worth every penny and that her son had taken to wearing the helmet like a “duck to water”.
She added: “He wore the helmet for just under six months and we could see fantastic progress within the first six weeks. He now has a head shape with a normal circumference. I think we were more nervous about it than Alex, but there were no issues at all.” |
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