MACROCEPHALY Meaning and
Definition
-
Macrocephaly is a medical term used to define an abnormal condition characterized by an unusually large head size in comparison to the average size for an individual's age and gender. Derived from the Greek words "makros," meaning large, and "cephale," meaning head, macrocephaly usually points to an abnormality in the growth of the brain and/or skull during development.
In infants, macrocephaly is frequently identified during routine measurements, exhibiting head circumference greater than two standard deviations above the mean for their age. This condition can persist into childhood and adulthood, although the diagnostic criteria may vary according to age groups. Macrocephaly can be classified as primary or secondary, depending on its underlying cause.
Primary macrocephaly occurs when the enlargement of the head is not associated with any other medical condition or abnormality. It is generally considered an isolated finding and may not typically affect a person's cognitive function or overall health. Conversely, secondary macrocephaly is often linked to an underlying medical condition such as hydrocephalus, benign or malignant tumors, craniosynostosis, or genetic syndromes such as Sotos syndrome or neurofibromatosis type 1.
Diagnosis of macrocephaly involves careful measurement of head circumference and a comprehensive medical history evaluation. Depending on the suspected cause, additional tests, including imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be ordered to aid in determining the underlying condition. Treatment for macrocephaly primarily targets the underlying cause, focusing on managing the associated medical condition or providing symptomatic relief.
Common Misspellings for MACROCEPHALY
- nacrocephaly
- kacrocephaly
- jacrocephaly
- mzcrocephaly
- mscrocephaly
- mwcrocephaly
- mqcrocephaly
- maxrocephaly
- mavrocephaly
- mafrocephaly
- madrocephaly
- maceocephaly
- macdocephaly
- macfocephaly
- mactocephaly
- mac5ocephaly
- mac4ocephaly
- macricephaly
- macrkcephaly
Etymology of MACROCEPHALY
The word "macrocephaly" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "macro" meaning "large" or "long" and "kephalē" meaning "head". In Greek, "macrocephaly" (μακροκεφαλία) refers specifically to an abnormal condition where an individual has an unusually large or abnormally long head. The term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe a condition characterized by an enlarged head, often associated with some developmental or genetic disorders.
Similar spelling words for MACROCEPHALY
- macroclemys,
- macroscopically,
- macrocephalous,
- macroscopical,
- macrocephalic,
- macroscopic,
- microcephalous,
- macrocyte,
- microcephaly,
- macrocheira,
- macrocosmic,
- microcephalic,
- macrocephalon,
- microcephalus.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
