Etymed
macrocephaly
Definition
A condition characterized by an abnormally large head circumference, often due to hydrocephalus, megalencephaly, or other pathological conditions
Clinical context
A 3-year-old child presents with a head circumference that is 2 standard deviations above the mean for age and sex. The child has been experiencing developmental delays and frequent headaches. Neuroimaging reveals enlarged ventricles and increased intracranial pressure. The patient's large head size is attributed to hydrocephalus secondary to aqueductal stenosis.
Mnemonic
MACROCEPHALY: MEGA (large) head, A (accumulation) CSF, C (cerebral) development issues