What is it about ?
The increase in head circumference occurs mainly in the first two years of life. The attending physician and / or the ONE physician regularly measure the child’s head circumference (cranial perimeter) to determine if the head is growing normally. The dimensions of the head should be proportional to the size of the child.
The growth curves make it possible to compare the value measured in the child with the normal value for his age. Not all children who grow up normally grow the same. Some grow faster, others more slowly. Thus, for a given age, the measurement is considered normal if it is within a range around the mean.
How is the diagnosis made?
If the head circumference is too big or too small, the doctor has two possibilities:
- Either he will follow the child closely and regularly measure the head circumference;
- Or he will immediately refer the child to a specialist for a more in-depth examination.
The technical examination usually carried out first is a ultrasound of the skull, for example to look for an obstacle in the drainage path of the cerebrospinal fluid.
What can you do ?
Go with the child to the follow-up organized by the ONE and by the pediatrician to check his growth.
What can the doctor do?
If the head is too small or too large, treatment will depend on the cause; it is determined by a specialist.
Want to know more?
- 0-18 year old health record, here, Where to find on this page of ONE – Birth and Childhood Office
- Girl’s growth charts on page 102
- Boy’s growth charts on page 108
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