Macrocephaly is a rare condition characterized by the larger-than-normal size of the child’s head for sex and age and can be diagnosed by measuring head size, also called head circumference or CP, and plotted on a graph and measures accompanied during custody consultations, from birth to 2 years of age.
In some cases macrocephaly does not pose a health risk, but is considered normal, however, in other cases, especially when there is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, CSF, there may be a delay in psychomotor development, abnormal brain size, mental retardation and seizures.
- Diagnosis of macrocephaly is made as the child develops.
- Measuring the circumnagation of the head at each visit to the pediatrician.
- In addition.
- Depending on the relationship between CP.
- Age.
- Sex and baby development.
- Your doctor may indicate imaging tests to check for cysts.
- Tumors or CSF buildup.
- Indicating the most appropriate treatment if necessary.
Macrocephaly can have several causes, most of which are related to genetic factors, leading to metabolic diseases or malformations. However, during pregnancy, the woman may also be exposed to various situations that may compromise the baby’s development and lead to macrocephaly. Thus, some of the main causes of macrocephaly are:
In addition, macrocephaly can occur as a result of bone diseases, mainly between 6 months and 2 years, such as osteoporosis, hypophosphatemia, osteogenesis imperfecta and rickets, which is a disease characterized by the absence of vitamin D, which is the vitamin responsible for calcium absorption in the intestine and deposit in the bones. Learn more about rickets.
The main sign of macrocephaly is the larger than normal head for the child’s age and gender, but other signs and symptoms may also appear depending on the cause of macrocephaly, the main ones being:
The presence of any of these signs or symptoms may indicate macrocephaly, and it is important to see your pediatrician to measure your CP. In addition to measuring CP and relating it to a child’s development, gender, and age, the pediatrician also evaluates signs and symptoms, as some are related only to a certain type of macrocephaly and can start treatment more quickly. Your pediatrician may also order imaging tests, such as CT scans, x-rays, and MRI.
Macrocephaly can be identified even during the prenatal period by performing an obstetric ultrasound, where cp is measured, and in this way it is possible to guide women and their families early.
When macrocephaly is physiological, i.e. it does not pose a risk to the health of the child, it is not necessary to initiate specific treatment, being only accompanied the development of the child. However, when hydrocephalus, which is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the skull, is also observed, surgery may be required to drain fluid. Understand how hydrocephalus is treated.
In addition to treatment that may vary depending on the cause of macrocephaly, it may also vary depending on the signs and symptoms of the child and therefore psychotherapy, physiotherapy and logopedia sessions may be recommended. Dietary changes and use of certain medications may also be indicated, especially when the child has seizures.