Question
A 97-day-old baby exhibits a habitual tilting head behavior, requiring objects to guide the direction of tilt. What is the issue, and how can this behavior be corrected?
Answer
Hello! The baby’s condition may be torticollis. It is recommended to visit the hospital for an examination as soon as possible. Torticollis is usually caused by two reasons: one is bony torticollis due to abnormal cervical vertebra development; the other is muscular torticollis, which occurs when the sternocleidomastoid muscle is injured, leading to fibrosis and shortening. Bony torticollis is relatively rare, while muscular torticollis is more common, often resulting from poor positioning in the womb or mechanical injuries during childbirth. Early treatment yields the best results and can include non-surgical treatments such as regional massage, heat therapy, adjusting sleep position, and manual correction. Massage and heat therapy help to relieve muscle swelling and prevent muscle spasms. Adjust the baby’s sleep position to have the chin facing the affected side and the occiput facing the healthy side, using soft items to maintain the position. Manual correction should begin within two weeks after birth, performed 3 to 4 times daily, combined with massage or heat therapy. If non-surgical treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment can be considered between 6 to 12 months of age.