Head CT on 6 Month Old

Updated on June 25, 2008
T.L. asks from Stockton, CA
3 answers

Hi,
I took my 6 month old son in today for his check up and shots and his doctor said his head is growing too fast! He is a healthy baby boy weighing 18lbs 12oz and is 28 3/4 inches long with a head circumfrence of 18 1/4". His head has grown 3/4" in about 2 months. She said the growth rate is somewhat of a cause for concern so she is sending us for a CT scan on Friday. I'm totally freaked out and can barely breathe. I'm trying to stay strong for my family but I'm terrified.
She said we hope its nothing, that he's just genetically big (i'm tiny at 5'1 - 110lbs but his dad is 6'2 - 240lbs)... She said it could also be hydro encephilitis and that can be corrected with a shunt or it could be something else that would require further tests. I know that something else could be a growth or a tumor although she didnt say that I know its what she meant.
I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has gone through something similar. Thank you all in advance for your time.

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So What Happened?

Hi. THank you all for your support and concern. I took Jason for his CT scan yesterday and the scan shows NO abnormalities or extra fluid! He just has a big head :D
He has a follow up appt in 2 mos to check his growth at that point but as of now he has a clean bill of help. Thank you all for taking the time to write and pls know all of your advice helped soothe my soul.
Have a great weekend - Aloha!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi... I went through this with one of my twins... His head was growing much faster than his brother... he also had a larger than average (although w/in range) fontenelle (soft spot)... I mean it was HUGE! And occasionally, I would notice that it was lumped up... as if fluid was pushing up through...

OMG... the scare is unreal... Ultrasounds... and yes, ultimately a CT... and NOTHING... the Dr. said he was quite normal... and that even the extra fluid on occasion was totally normal... although you don't generally see it... he even commented that the other twin actually had "small" head... jeez... thanks...

I know this is super scary... it was all I could do to keep from thowing up...

I also have a realative with a shunt... and although it totally sucks to have to have one... they aren't that bad... Just an FYI...

and IMHO... I don't think a tumor would make the skull grow... I would expect there to be pressure on the brain causing problems before the skull would grow a whole 3/4"...

In the end... you will feel better having the test as you will KNOW for sure there is nothing going on in there to be afraid of... rather than waiting until the next checkup to see if there is any noticable difference.

Hang in there...

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

T.,

I just wanted to respond and tell you that I wish you the best of luck in the testing! I know that it is so scary when you are faced with something like this. But I just try to remember that until you have all the facts, you don't have to have a decision or reaction-because you simply don't know yet. Try to think positively and that the doctor was taking the extra precautions for your baby. Stay strong and just try to have peace that you will know soon for sure if there is an issue that you need to worry about.

Take care,

Molly

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.R.

answers from Stockton on

My sister-in-law went through the exact same thing with both of her girls, right around 6 months of age. They were actually classified as "failure to thrive" for their weight, but their heads were enormous, completely off the charts. Needless to say, we were all petrified. After the testing, it was discovered that they just have, well, big heads! They are now 7 and 9 and wear helmets that are larger than the one I wear (as a 5'8" adult!). They are fine, no issues and are even in the GATE program (gifted and talented education). I hope you have a similar outcome and that all is fine with your little guy, I'm sure it will be. Please keep us updated.

1 mom found this helpful
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