megalocephaly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A medical condition characterized by an abnormally large head. It is distinguished from hydrocephalus by the absence of increased intracranial pressure and by symmetrical overgrowth of the head.
Usage
This is a technical, medical term used primarily in clinical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific physical condition. It is not used in everyday conversation.
Examples
- The pediatrician noted signs of megalocephaly during the infant's routine check-up.
- Megalocephaly can sometimes be associated with certain genetic syndromes.
- The diagnosis was megalocephaly, not hydrocephalus, as the scans showed no pressure buildup.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used descriptively in differential diagnosis to contrast with other conditions causing a large head, such as hydrocephalus.
- It can be modified by adjectives, e.g., , .
Variants and Related Words
- Megacephaly (noun): A synonymous, alternative spelling for megalocephaly.
- Macrocephaly (noun): A broader term for an abnormally large head, which can encompass both megalocephaly and conditions like hydrocephalus. Megalocephaly is often considered a type of macrocephaly.
- Megalocephalic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by megalocephaly.
- The study focused on megalocephalic patients.
Synonyms
- Megacephaly
- Macrocephaly (in a general sense)
Antonyms
- Microcephaly (an abnormally small head)
Noun
- an abnormally large head; differs from hydrocephalus because there is no increased intracranial pressure and the overgrowth is symmetrical