Which condition is characterized by an enlarged head due to excess cerebrospinal fluid?

Hydrocephaly, also known as hydrocephalus, is characterized by an enlarged head due to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. This condition can arise from various factors, including congenital defects, infection, or an obstruction that prevents the normal flow of CSF. The excess fluid increases intracranial pressure, which can lead to various neurological symptoms and physical manifestations.

An enlargement of the head typically occurs in infants or very young children whose skulls have not yet fully ossified, allowing for expansion. Clinical management often involves treatment options like the placement of a shunt to drain excess fluid and alleviate the pressure on the brain.

In contrast, spina bifida refers to a defect in the closure of the spine, microcephaly indicates a smaller-than-normal head size which is often associated with developmental issues, and encephalopathy generally describes a broad category of brain disorders that are not specifically characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid. Understanding these definitions helps differentiate hydrocephaly from other neurological conditions.