While all pregnant women dream of a perfect birth experience, the thought of unusual and unwanted complications that can arise never leave their minds. When a woman is pregnant, it is natural to worry about the possible things that could go wrong. One of the issues that might worry an expectant mother is that her baby was born with an unusually large head.
For the most part, macrocephaly is benign, but in some cases it can indicate complications or an underlying health condition in the brain, such as a brain tumor.
Macrocephaly can be further classified into proportional and disproportionate macrocephaly. In the case of proportional macrocephaly, the baby’s head is the right size for its body (ie, the baby has a large head and a large body). In the case of disproportionate macrocephaly, the head is larger than the body of the child. People with large heads and large skulls are usually healthy. However, the same cannot be said for those with disproportionate macrocephaly. The reason for this condition (and whether or not it can be treated) may determine the child’s health.
What causes a big head in babies?
Macrocephaly is usually a symptom of other conditions. There are various reasons for large head circumference in babies.
Hydrocephalus, which literally means ‘water on the brain’, is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull, causing the brain to swell. The extra fluid can put pressure on the brain and lead to brain damage and other health complications. This condition can also cause physical, developmental and intellectual damage to the brain. Therefore, medical intervention is necessary to prevent this condition from causing serious complications.
2. Benign familial macrocephaly
Benign familial macrocephaly is a genetic condition responsible for macrocephaly. If an infant with a large head has a family history of larger than average head size, then he will be diagnosed with benign familial macrocephaly. However, this condition is not difficult; an infant born with a large head may not have health problems as a result. But, macrocephaly is associated with autism; it is believed that children with autism may have a higher rate of macrocephaly.
Brain disorders such as brain tumors can cause large heads in babies. Megalencephaly (when an infant has an abnormally large brain) and hydranencephaly can also cause macrocephaly. Hydranencephaly is a rare type of cephalic disorder in which the cerebral hemispheres of the brain are largely absent, and in their place are sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
4. Internal bleeding in the brain
Trauma to the skull can cause internal bleeding and swelling of the brain, which can lead to temporary macrocephaly.
Brain infections can cause swelling of the brain and skull, which can cause macrocephaly.
Some other causes of macrocephaly are:
- Rickets
- Sotos syndrome
- Certain metabolic conditions
- Chronic subdural hematoma
- Other genetic syndromes
In the case of benign familial macrocephaly, except for a large head, no others symptoms they are not visible. But if the baby has macrocephaly due to an underlying medical condition, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Stalls in development
- A fast growing head
- Slow body growth compared to head growth
- Mental disorders
- Epilepsy
- Autism
How is macrocephaly diagnosed?
A pediatrician can diagnose macrocephaly through a routine physical exam. If he thinks the baby may have macrocephaly, he may further suggest imaging tests.
As part of a routine physical exam, the doctor will measure the baby’s head circumference at each visit. The doctor can also feel the soft spot (fontanella) on the baby’s skull. If a doctor notices an increase in head size overtime during a routine exam and diagnoses macrocephaly, he or she may suggest imaging tests to look for abnormalities in the brain.
Computed tomography (CT) uses a computer and rotating X-ray machines to help create cross-sectional or three-dimensional images. A CT scan will allow the doctor to check the soft tissues and outline of the skull and the point of the deformity.
An MRI scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce clear and detailed images of the brain and nervous system. This head test is a painless, non-invasive test and allows the doctor to diagnose the cause of macrocephaly and recommend treatment for it.
3. Ultrasound scan
Ultrasonic the scan uses sound waves to create an image of the body. This scan is performed during pregnancy to diagnose macrocephaly. A routine prenatal ultrasound performed in the late 2nd trimester or early 3rd trimester can help diagnose this condition.
Treatment for macrocephaly will depend on the underlying cause. For example, a newborn with benign familial macrocephaly may not need any treatment. The diagnosis will define the treatment for this condition. Some of the treatment measures are explained below.
Surgery: In a few cases of macrocephaly, surgery may be suggested.
The type of surgery will depend on the degree of brain swelling and its potential cause. For example, the types of surgery for brain tumors and hydrocephalus will be different.
Oral medications: In some rare cases, a doctor may suggest oral medications to control swelling of the brain tissue.
Other options treatment: If macrocephaly is due to a genetic condition or is associated with another underlying medical condition, lifelong treatment may be required. These treatment options include the following:
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Physical therapy
- Behavioral therapy
Can macrocephaly be prevented?
Because the condition is present at birth or occurs due to other birth defects, it is difficult to prevent macrocephaly. There is currently no known way to prevent this condition.
Babies with benign familial macrocephaly usually grow up well and do not face any problems complications. This condition may not affect their intelligence level or health. But if a child has macrocephaly due to another condition, the cause will determine their growth. Many children with this condition tend to experience developmental delays, seizure disorders, and other similar complications.
Macrocephaly in newborns it can be due to a benign cause or the result of a serious problem. If you are pregnant and have concerns about this condition, consult your doctor. They can rule out this condition in the late second or early trimester of pregnancy. If you have already welcomed your little one, take him for routine check-ups. Your baby’s doctor will be able to diagnose the condition (if present) and suggest the best possible treatment.
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Tags: Macrocephaly confirmed #2nd trimester pregnancy
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