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Skull of a newborn
Skull of a newborn

Increased head circumference
Definition:
Measurement of the distance around the widest part of the skull that is larger than expected for the age and background of the child.

Alternative Names:
Macrocephaly

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 old, both measurements are about equal, after 2 years old 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.
Common Causes:
Call your health care provider if:
(This finding is usually discovered by the health care provider during a routine well-baby exam.)
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting increased head circumference in detail may include:
  • time pattern
    • When did you first notice that the baby's head seemed large?
    • Does the baby's head size seem to be increasing faster (in proportion to the growth of the body)?
  • location
    • Does the head seem larger all over?
    • Is the head growing more in a front-to-back pattern or in a side-to-side pattern?
  • other
    • What other symptoms are also present (especially changes in brain or nervous system functions)?
Physical examination may include repeated measurements of the head circumference over a period of time to confirm that the head circumference is significantly increased; however, in some cases a single measurement is sufficient to confirm a significant increase.

Diagnostic tests may vary depending on the suspected cause, but often include:After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as to the cause of increased head circumference, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record. You may also want to document your own measurements of the head circumference.
Review Date: 2/22/2002
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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