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Macrocephaly In Babies: Big Head in Babies

August 12, 2021

Macrocephaly is a medical condition where a baby’s head is unusually larger than other infants of the same age and gender. While the condition may be harmless or benign in most cases, it may indicate an underlying medical condition like a brain tumour or genetic syndrome in some babies. In some cases, macrocephaly head circumference is caused due to family history. This is often diagnosed as benign familial macrocephaly. Other than the larger than normal size of the head, this does not lead to any additional health concerns. However, if the condition is due to a fluid build-up in the infant’s brain, it will require immediate medical attention. This extra fluid will place undue pressure on the brain leading to several health complications.

Book an appointment with Dr. Arjun for all your Pediatrics & Neonatal concerns and treatments.

 

Causes Behind Macrocephaly

In some cases, the reason behind macrocephaly may require medical attention. Some of the commonly seen macrocephaly causes include:

 

  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Certain metabolic conditions
  • Brain tumours
  • Some types of infection
  • Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome
  • Chronic hematomas
  • Alexander disease
  • Sotos syndrome
  • Other genetic syndromes

 

MUST READ: Bonding with the baby: the basics

Symptoms Of Macrocephaly

Although the primary symptom of macrocephaly is a larger than usual head, it may also be accompanied by other symptoms, which will help doctors identify the underlying medical condition.

 

  • A fast-growing head
  • Delay in reaching different developmental milestones
  • Comorbidity
  • Autism
  • Epilepsy
  • Mental disorders

 

The doctors will also ask parents to keep an eye out for other signs like excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, unusual eye movement, vomiting, extreme irritability or a bulging soft spot.

 

Although the macrocephaly definition may seem to scare parents, finding the cause behind the condition will help doctors come up with a treatment plan. The treatment measures differ from case to case and may include surgery, oral medication, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and behavioural therapy. Babes with familial macrocephaly grow up with no major problems and do not require any treatment as such.

Want to consult the Best Pediatricians in India? Please find the links below.

  1. ‍Best Pediatricians in Bangalore
  2. Top Pediatricians in Chennai
  3. Best Pediatric Doctor in Mumbai
  4. Top Children’s Specialist near me in Pune
  5. Best Child Specialist doctor in Chandigarh
  6. Top Pediatrician near me in Gurgaon
  7. Best Pediatrician doctors in Noida

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