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Understanding Your SoftSpot® Report

A guide for parents on how to interpret Cranial Index (CI) and Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI).

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Connect with a qualified pediatric provider to discuss your baby’s results and discuss next steps.

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Head Measurement Diagram

Here are the definitions:

CI

(CRANIAL INDEX)

CI =
SD
AP
× 100
CVAI

(CRANIAL VAULT ASYMMETRY INDEX)

CVAI =
|d1-d2|
Max {d1,d2}
× 100
A

AP is the line defined by the nose tip (A) and the center of the mass of the head contour.

S

SD is the line side-to-side perpendicular to AP.

d1

d1 and d2 are the diagonals.

D

A difference between d1 and d2 indicates asymmetry.

CI (Cranial Index)

Shows how wide vs. long the head is. This determines the overall head shape.

CVAI (Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index)

Shows how symmetrical the head is (left vs. right). This identifies if one side is flatter than the other.

Normal CI Range(From CHOA Guideline)
75% — 85%

Helps identify if a head is disproportionately wide (Brachycephaly) or long (Scaphocephaly).

Normal CVAI Threshold(From CHOA Guideline)
< 3.5%

Identifies "flat spots" on one side, commonly known as Plagiocephaly.

What these numbers help identify

Common conditions specialists look for in reports.

Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly
Flattening on one side. Primarily identified by high CVAI scores.
Brachycephaly
Brachycephaly
Wide and short head shape. Identified by high CI scores (> 85%).
Scaphocephaly
Scaphocephaly
Long and narrow head shape. Identified by low CI scores (< 75%).

CHOA guideline on severity scale:

Refer to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) severity scale guidelines for detailed clinical context regarding head shape measurements.

View CHOA Guideline

How accurate is SoftSpot?

FDA Cleared

SoftSpot is FDA-cleared for the measurement of CI and CVAI in infants from 1 month to 2 years of age.

For more detailed information, we recommend referring to the FDA 510(k) summary for SoftSpot on the FDA website which outlines the validation and intended use.

View FDA 510(k) Summary

Reliable for Everyone

Clinical accuracy is maintained regardless of who takes the photo—whether it's a parent, a caregiver, or a lay user.

The Standard of Care

Caliper measurement is the clinical standard of care. Now, parents can achieve that same accuracy at home.

Want expert guidance?

Connect with a qualified pediatric provider to discuss your baby’s results and discuss next steps.

Find a SpecialistMore Resources