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Child's Nervous System

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01-10-2006 | Original Paper

Idiopathic macrocephaly in the infant: long-term neurological and neuropsychological outcome

Authors: Heidi Muenchberger, Nazih Assaad, Pamela Joy, Ruth Brunsdon, E. Arthur Shores

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 10/2006

Abstract

Rationale

The long-term outcome of idiopathic macrocephaly is presently unknown.

Methods and results

In the current study (n=15), MRI conducted at long-term review showed regression of orbito-frontal extradural collections and normal or slightly enlarged ventricular space compared to infant examination. Head circumference had normalised in all but one participant. Neuropsychological assessments of nine participants showed general intellectual ability within the normal range in the majority of participants; however, specific deficits in attention were evident. Clinical interviews conducted with a smaller sub-group revealed anecdotal histories of behavioural difficulties and reading or arithmetic difficulties in half of the total sample.

Conclusions

Prospective review studies such as this indicate that abnormal radiological findings in infancy are not necessarily predictive of neurodevelopmental problems and may reflect a normal variant. However, while overall intellectual ability may be within average limits in this diagnostic sample, considerable individual variations remain in specific areas of neuropsychological function.

The WAIS-R short form utilised for this study has a validity coefficient of .94, comprising subtests of Picture Completion, Vocabulary, Digit Span, Digit Symbol, Arithmetic and Similarities.

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Title: Idiopathic macrocephaly in the infant: long-term neurological and neuropsychological outcome
Authors: Heidi Muenchberger
Nazih Assaad
Pamela Joy
Ruth Brunsdon
E. Arthur Shores
Publication date: 01-10-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 10/2006
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-006-0080-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Idiopathic macrocephaly in the infant: long-term neurological and neuropsychological outcome

Abstract

Rationale

Methods and results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Rationale

Methods and results

Conclusions

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