What is the medical term meaning abnormally enlarged head?

The medical term for an abnormally enlarged head is macrocephaly.

Macrocephaly is a condition in which the head circumference of an infant or young child is significantly larger than the average head circumference for that age and gender.

Macrocephaly can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are harmless, while others may indicate an underlying medical condition.

Benign macrocephaly, also known as idiopathic macrocephaly, is the most common cause of macrocephaly and it does not usually indicate an underlying medical condition. Idiopathic macrocephaly simply means that the cause of the enlarged head is unknown.

Other, less common causes of macrocephaly may include:

- Hydrocephalus: In this condition, there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can cause the head to enlarge.

- Megalencephaly: In this condition, the brain is abnormally large, which can cause the head to enlarge.

- Craniosynostosis: In this condition, the sutures (joints) between the bones of the skull close prematurely, which can cause the head to become abnormally shaped and enlarged.

- Some genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and Sotos syndrome, can also be associated with macrocephaly.

If your child has macrocephaly, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.