Will A Custom Skull Implant For A Flat Head Help With Headaches?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a 63 yr.old white female with an extremely flat head. I have done some research and discovered that this condition is referred to as plagiocephaly. I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus back in the summer of 2014 and had a VP shunt inserted into my brain. My flat head never really bothered me ,other than hindering my abilty to wear a hat or helmet. Recently though, I have noticed I am experiencing a good deal of back and neck pain due to the position of my head.When I lie down, I am lying directly on my neck. The result is neck pain and very bad headaches!

A: While the shape of the skull affected by plagiocephaly can be improved by a custom skull implant this is an aesthetic procedure that I would not anticipate would provide any functional or pain relief improvements.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon