Increased Head Circumference
Alternate Names : Macrocephaly
Definition Increased head circumference is present when the measured distance around the widest part of the skull is larger than expected for the age and background of the child.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview & Considerations
As a rule of thumb, a newborn's head is usually about 2 centimeters larger than the chest size. Between 6 months and 2 years, both measurements are about equal. After 2 years, the chest size becomes larger than the head.
A series of measurements over time that show an increased rate of head growth often can provide more valuable information than a single measurement that is larger than expected.
Increased intracranial pressure (pressure within the head, usually caused by swelling of the brain or accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within ventricles) often accompanies increased head circumference. Symptoms associated with this include vomiting, eyes deviating downward, and irritability.
See also bulging fontanelles.
|
