What causes a child to have a large head?

Causes of macrocephaly include: Benign familial macrocephaly – other family members with big heads (inherited) Excess fluid in the brain – benign extra-axial fluid of infancy or hydrocephalus.

What syndrome causes a big head?

Benign familial macrocephaly is an inherited condition. It happens in families predisposed to having larger heads. Sometimes there is a problem with the brain, such as hydrocephalus or excess fluid. Underlying conditions will require treatment.

What does a large head circumference indicate?

Children with macrocephaly have a head circumference (the measurement around the widest part of the head) that is greater than the 98th percentile. Sometimes a large head means that there is a problem in the brain which might require surgery.

What is benign macrocephaly?

One of the most common reasons for macrocephaly is something that doctors call “benign familial macrocephaly.” In other words, big heads run in your family. A doctor might determine that a baby’s big head is inherited by measuring the heads of the parents.

What is MCM disease?

Macrocephaly-capillary malformation (M-CM) is a multiple malformation syndrome causing abnormal body and head overgrowth and cutaneous, vascular, neurologic, and limb abnormalities.

Can macrocephaly go away?

Macrocephaly Due to Hydrocephalus Doctors call it “benign extra-axial collections of infancy” or “benign external hydrocephalus.” Children typically outgrow the condition by early childhood. Still, your doctor will want to follow up with you regularly to keep an eye on your baby.

Is macrocephaly curable?

An infant with benign familial macrocephaly will not usually require any treatment. Infants whose macrocephaly stems from a genetic condition may require life-long treatment and support, including: occupational therapy.

What causes megalencephaly?

Megalencephaly occurs when your brain produces too many new brain cells or cells that are too large. It can also occur when metabolic byproducts and matter build up in your brain. Genetic factors and genetic disorders can cause megalencephaly.

How is megalencephaly diagnosed?

Megalencephaly is usually diagnosed at birth and is confirmed with an MRI. There are several neuropsychiatric disorders linked with megalencephaly; however, studies have shown that autism is the most prevalent association with the malformation of MEG.