MEGALOCEPHALY Meaning and
Definition
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Megalocephaly is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by an abnormally large head size or accelerated head growth in relation to the body. The term is derived from the Greek words "megas" meaning large and "kephalē" meaning head. Megalocephaly is often used interchangeably with the term "macrocephaly" or "megacephaly" in literature.
In a clinical context, megalocephaly refers to a head circumference that exceeds the normal range for a certain age and sex. It is typically assessed by comparing the individual's head circumference to the average measurements for their age group. Megalocephaly can be observed at birth (congenital), or it may develop over time during childhood.
Megalocephaly can result from various underlying causes, including genetic mutations, metabolic disorders, malformations of the skull or brain, neurologic abnormalities, or certain medical conditions such as hydrocephalus. The condition may also be idiopathic, meaning the cause remains unknown.
Depending on the cause and associated symptoms, megalocephaly can have different implications for an individual's health. It may be an isolated physical trait with no other associated problems, or it can be accompanied by developmental delays, neurological symptoms, cognitive impairments, or other medical issues.
Diagnosis of megalocephaly often involves a thorough physical examination, detailed medical history, and imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may include medical management, surgical intervention, or supportive care.
Overall, megalocephaly refers to the condition of having an excessively large head size, which can be indicative of an underlying medical condition or developmental abnormality.
Common Misspellings for MEGALOCEPHALY
- negalocephaly
- kegalocephaly
- jegalocephaly
- mwgalocephaly
- msgalocephaly
- mdgalocephaly
- mrgalocephaly
- m4galocephaly
- m3galocephaly
- mefalocephaly
- mevalocephaly
- mebalocephaly
- mehalocephaly
- meyalocephaly
- metalocephaly
- megzlocephaly
- megslocephaly
- megwlocephaly
- megqlocephaly
Etymology of MEGALOCEPHALY
The word "megalocephaly" originates from the combination of two Greek roots: "megalo" and "cephaly".
The root "megalo" (μέγας) means "large" or "great" in Greek. It is commonly used in different medical terms to indicate an excessive or abnormal growth in size.
The root "cephaly" is derived from the Greek word "kephalē" (κεφαλή), which means "head". It is frequently used to refer to conditions that are related to or affect the head.
Therefore, when combined, "megalocephaly" refers to a medical condition characterized by an abnormally large head or skull.
Similar spelling words for MEGALOCEPHALY
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