What is the Difference Between Macrocephaly and Hydrocephalus?

Macrocephaly and hydrocephalus are conditions related to the size and fluid content of the brain, but they differ in their causes and manifestations.

Macrocephaly refers to a large head, which can be a harmless inherited trait or a sign of a medical problem such as an enlarged brain. Some common causes of macrocephaly include increased brain volume, expanded extracerebral spaces, intracranial cysts, and dilated vessels. Benign external hydrocephalus, also known as idiopathic external hydrocephalus, is a form of macrocephaly caused by a small amount of fluid between the infant's brain and skull. It usually does not require treatment and typically resolves itself over time.

Hydrocephalus is a condition resulting from an overabundance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. It can be caused by increased production, decreased absorption, or a CSF flow obstruction. Hydrocephalus can lead to increased pressure and dilatation of the ventricles, which may result in enlargement of the head, prominence of the forehead, mental deterioration, and convulsions. Treatment for hydrocephalus often involves intervention by a neurosurgeon, such as the implantation of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

In summary, macrocephaly is characterized by a large head and can be caused by various factors, while hydrocephalus is a condition with an excess of CSF in the brain, leading to increased pressure and potential complications. Although macrocephaly can be a symptom of hydrocephalus, they are not the same condition, and macrocephaly can have various causes unrelated to hydrocephalus.