Care Team, Therapy & Support
Head circumference (occipitofrontal circumference)
Head circumference is the measurement around the largest part of a baby's head, used to monitor head and brain growth.
In short: Head circumference (occipitofrontal circumference)
- It is tracked to monitor growth and watch for hydrocephalus.
- It is also called the occipitofrontal circumference.
- Rapid increases can signal increased pressure.
- It is plotted on growth charts over time.
What it is
It is the measurement around the largest part of the head (also called the occipitofrontal circumference). It is a simple, routine measurement used to monitor head and brain growth in babies and young children.
Understanding Head circumference (occipitofrontal circumference)
For a child with encephalocele, head circumference is tracked over time and plotted on growth charts to monitor growth and watch for signs of hydrocephalus. A head size that increases too rapidly can signal a buildup of fluid and increased pressure, prompting evaluation; a smaller-than-expected size (microcephaly) is also informative. Because it reflects head and brain growth, this measurement is a key, easily obtained part of monitoring.
Why it matters
Understanding head circumference helps families see why the team measures the head at visits, what rapid changes can signal, and how this simple measurement helps monitor for hydrocephalus.
Common questions
What is head circumference?
The measurement around the largest part of the head.
Why is it tracked?
To monitor growth and watch for hydrocephalus.
What can rapid increases signal?
Increased pressure, such as from hydrocephalus.
Bottom line
Head circumference is the measurement around the head, tracked to monitor growth and watch for hydrocephalus.
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