Paris Hiltons Son Trolled For Deformed Head, All You Need To Know About Macrocephaly

Paris Hilton’s Son Trolled For ‘Deformed’ Head (Picture credit: Instagram/ Paris Hilton)

Paris Hilton recently hit out at trolls who mocked her baby son’s ‘deformed’ head. The social media mogul called it “unacceptable” and also said that her boy, Phoenix is “perfectly healthy”. Fans of Hilton urged her to take Phoenix to a neurologist for a brain scan. Nearly, one in 5o babies are born with macrocephaly and it is not an uncommon condition.

Cleveland Clinic defines macrocephaly as “The term macrocephaly means “large head.” If your infant has macrocephaly, they have a head circumference that’s much larger than others of the same age and sex. Technically, your child’s head circumference (measurement around the widest part of their head) is greater than the 97th percentile. This means their head is larger than 97% of children of the same age and sex.

“Macrocephaly can be a sign of a condition that requires treatment. However, your baby’s larger head size might also be something that runs in your family, and is harmless and doesn’t need to be treated. This condition is called benign familial macrocephaly.”

However, according to research, the condition can be deadly in one of 1,000 children as it could be an indication of a tumour or other diseases. Here, take a look at the symptoms, causes and treatment of macrocephaly.

Symptoms of macrocephaly:

The most obvious symptom is an unusually large head size, often defined as a head circumference greater than the 98th percentile for a person's age and sex.

Rapid head growth

In some cases, macrocephaly may be characterized by a rapid increase in head circumference over a short period.

Bulging fontanelles

Soft spots on a baby's head, called fontanelles, may appear more prominent or bulging.

Delayed development

In some instances, macrocephaly may be associated with developmental delays or neurological abnormalities.

Behavioural changes

Depending on the underlying cause, individuals with macrocephaly may exhibit behavioural changes, such as irritability or difficulties with coordination.

Other physical features

In some cases, there may be associated physical features or abnormalities, depending on the underlying cause of macrocephaly.

Causes of macrocephaly:

Macrocephaly can stem from various causes, ranging from benign to serious. Genetic factors play a significant role, with conditions like familial macrocephaly contributing to inherited enlargement of the head. Certain metabolic disorders, such as storage diseases, may also result in macrocephaly. Structural abnormalities in the brain, like hydrocephalus, where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates, can lead to increased head size. Additionally, overgrowth syndromes, like Sotos syndrome, are characterized by accelerated growth and can manifest as macrocephaly. Tumours or cysts in the brain, though less common, can be a causative factor. Identifying the specific cause is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

Treatment for macrocephaly:

Monitoring and observation

In cases where macrocephaly is not associated with any other health issues, a healthcare professional may opt for a "watch and wait" approach, monitoring head growth over time.

Treating underlying conditions

If macrocephaly is a symptom of an underlying condition such as hydrocephalus, tumours or metabolic disorders, treating the primary cause becomes a priority. This may involve surgical intervention, medication, or other targeted therapies.

Genetic counselling

In instances where macrocephaly is due to genetic factors, genetic counselling may be recommended to assess the risk of passing the condition to future generations and to provide guidance on family planning.

Supportive therapies

For individuals with developmental delays or behavioural changes associated with macrocephaly, supportive therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or behavioural interventions may be beneficial.

Surgical interventions

In cases where increased intracranial pressure is a concern, surgical procedures such as shunt placement for hydrocephalus or tumour removal may be considered.

Lifestyle modifications

Adopting lifestyle changes, such as modifications in diet or activity levels, may be recommended depending on the specific underlying cause and associated health concerns.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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