Helmet for metopic

[coopersmama]

My son had the endoscopic procedure for metopic synostosis done a little over two weeks ago. Since then we have visited "the helmet lady" five times to get adjustments. We are already on our second helmet because she didn't like how the first was made. We went for an adjustment yesterday and now it seems worse than it was.


I'm curious if anyone else has had a similar experience? I'm starting to get frustrated that we can't get the helmet fitted correctly. I've been told the helmet for metopics is one of the most difficult types to fit since they can't use the entire forehead to hold it in place. I also know that this is the first metopic helmet for our orthotist. I'm beginning to wonder if her inexperience is part of the problem. Don't get me wrong, she's been really great to work with and very good about getting us in to make adjustments, but it would be nice not to have to see her several times a week! Any input on whether this is normal would be appreciated!

[BabyGabey]

Sorry your having so much trouble thats beyond frustrating!! It's hard enough getting used to the helmet itself let alone having difficulty with it. Have you called your NS about the trouble you have been having because I would say that it is not normal. I know there are some other moms on here who were having helmet trouble so hopefully they can lend you advice to what they did. The helmet should be big when you first get it that way there is room for the head to grow. The foam on the inside should help hold it in place. Each week when we go for Gabe's fitting if the helmet is making to much contact with the skin in one area she shaves down some of the foam. If this continues I might look into finding an orthotist who has dealt more with fitting Metopics. Good Luck!

[Sophia's_mom]

I would also seek another orthotist that has had experiance the Metopic helmets. I'm sure it varies by the person but the orthotist we worked with commented regularly how he wished all helmets were as easy as Metopics. If it were me I would place a call into your surgeon and see if they can recommend someone else for you to work with.

[Carmen77]

I'm sorry your having problems!! I know at first they make them a little loose so they can grow into them, but there are many ways to adjust so they dont move so much!! What company did you go through?

[coopersmama]

We used Hanger (they are located in the hospital where we had our surgery). We actually had a follow-up appointment with the NS yesterday...they assured me that it takes a bit to get the helmet fitted correctly. I'm thinking I'm going to call back and get another recommendation. I find it interesting that someone's orthotist said they are the easiest helmets and mine is telling me they are one of the more tricky ones...

Lauren - Our helmet (obviously) looks just like Gabe's. I find that when Cooper is laying (which is a lot since he's 3 months old) and he moves his head, the helmet is shifting over in front of his eye. How much does Gabe's helmet shift when he's laying or leaned back. I guess I just don't know what is normal shifting vs. what can be fixed with the padding. It doesn't seem like we're having trouble with too much contact...we just can't get it to stay put on his head.

[BabyGabey]

Lauren - Our helmet (obviously) looks just like Gabe's. I find that when Cooper is laying (which is a lot since he's 3 months old) and he moves his head, the helmet is shifting over in front of his eye. How much does Gabe's helmet shift when he's laying or leaned back. I guess I just don't know what is normal shifting vs. what can be fixed with the padding. It doesn't seem like we're having trouble with too much contact...we just can't get it to stay put on his head.

Gabe's shifted towards his right eye for about the first 2/3 weeks. Our orthotist assured us that this was normal since in most metopics the forehead is more asymmetrical.... which is why his always shifted to the same side. So that is normal. I would just loosen the velcro and shift it back a few times a day but if he was squirming around it definitely moved a little bit. Gabe's actually shifted more probably the 2/3 week because more of the swelling went down so there was more room then there was before. Maybe more padding can be placed in the front to keep it from shifting completely over his eye??

[Sophia's_mom]

I find that when Cooper is laying (which is a lot since he's 3 months old) and he moves his head, the helmet is shifting over in front of his eye. How much does Gabe's helmet shift when he's laying or leaned back. I guess I just don't know what is normal shifting vs. what can be fixed with the padding. It doesn't seem like we're having trouble with too much contact...we just can't get it to stay put on his head.

Sophie's helmet also shifted quite a bit at the beginning. She was Sagittal so I'm sure that makes a difference, but they do make the helmets larger so there is a lot of shifting that goes on. I hated having to move the helmet to look at her eyes, but in the end it did it's job just how it was supposed to.