Do I Have Deformational Plagiocephaly Or Lambdoid Craniosynostosis?

Q: Dr. Eppley, my question to you is if you could diagnose my head shape. I am having issues with understanding what the condition is it’s either deformational plagiocephaly or lamboid craniosynostosis. They look very similar but I don’t know which one it is. It could be possibly be something else but I don’t know so if you could help me out with this issue I would be truly grateful.

A: Only a 3D CT scan can separate those potential diagnoses for the flat back of your head. It will show whether the lambdoid sutures are open or closed which will provide the diagnosis. Statistically speaking it is far more likely it is deformational plagiocephaly than lambdoid craniosynostosis which is much more uncommon and would present with more severe flattening.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana