How Do You Spell PLATYCEPHALY?

Pronunciation: [plˈata͡ɪsfəli] (IPA)

Platycephaly is a medical term used to describe a flattened shape of the head. The word is spelled pl-æ-ti-ˈsɛf-ə-lē in IPA phonetic transcription. The "pl" represents the consonants "p" and "l" pronounced together, while "æ" stands for the short "a" sound. "ti" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a "t" and a long "e" sound. "ˈsɛf" is pronounced as "sef" with the stress on the first syllable, and "ə-lē" represents the final syllables with a schwa sound and a long "e."

PLATYCEPHALY Meaning and Definition

1. Platycephaly is a medical condition that refers to the abnormal flattening or asymmetrical shaping of the head in infants. It is characterized by a wide and flattened appearance of the posterior or back portion of the skull. In plainer terms, platycephaly is a condition where the back of an infant's head appears flat rather than rounded.

   This condition can occur due to various factors. One of the primary causes is persistent pressure on a particular region of the skull, leading to the abnormal flattening. This pressure can be a result of factors like prolonged periods of lying on the back, repeatedly sleeping in the same position, or limited mobility that restricts natural head movement. Platycephaly can also be associated with certain musculoskeletal or neurological conditions present at birth.

   Treatment for platycephaly often involves repositioning techniques to alleviate the pressure on the affected area of the skull. This usually includes encouraging an infant to change sleeping positions, providing supervised tummy time, and utilizing special pillows or devices designed to aid in head shaping. In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend helmet therapy, where a custom-made helmet is worn to help reshape the skull.

   Early intervention is key when it comes to treating platycephaly, as the condition can lead to potential developmental issues later in life if left unaddressed. Regular check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals are necessary to monitor progress and ensure appropriate treatment plans are in place.

2. Flatness of the skull, a condition in which the vertical cranial index is below 70.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PLATYCEPHALY

• olatycephaly
• llatycephaly
• -latycephaly
• 0latycephaly
• pkatycephaly
• ppatycephaly
• poatycephaly
• plztycephaly
• plstycephaly
• plwtycephaly
• plqtycephaly
• plarycephaly
• plafycephaly
• plagycephaly
• playycephaly
• pla6ycephaly
• pla5ycephaly
• plattcephaly
• platgcephaly
• plathcephaly

Etymology of PLATYCEPHALY

The word "platycephaly" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "platys" meaning "flat" or "broad", and "kephalē" meaning "head".