Neurologic Exam-Pediatric | Introduction 04 | Head Circumference
Introduction 04 - Head Circumference: Another very important part of assessing brain development is measuring the growth of the brain. This is accomplished by measuring the head circumference, which is an accurate reflection of brain size. The brain grows to 80% of its adult volume during the first 2 years of life so many neurological diseases that occur early in life will impact the growth of the brain. A small head (microcephaly) or a large head (macrocephaly or hydrocephalus) can be key findings in explaining the neurological abnormalities of a child. It is essential to plot head circumference on a standardized head growth chart such as the Nellhaus chart.