Some head shape abnormalities can arise because of premature fusion of one or more sutures (joints between the bone plates of the skull, this is where skull bones grow from). The commonest abnormality of head shape is plagiocephaly, and self corrects with time and needs no medical intervention. Many parents are choosing a head brace to promote more even head growth. This treatment is not recommended by most mainstream specialists in this area of child care (such as neurosurgeons) and not available on the NHS. These devices are much more commonly used outside of the UK, particularly in other areas of Europe.
Usually a physical examination including measurement of head circumference can enable a diagnosis to be made, and repeating this in after 6 weeks to look at the rate of head growth and progression of the head shape. Occasionally x-rays (CT head scans are necessary).