Large head and MRI - WWYD?

My DS has a very large head (over 100%). He's big all over (in 95% for height and weight). We had an ultrasound at 2 months to rule out possible hydrocephalus. Everything was completely normal. Now, his daycare has said he is behind in his milestones nothing alarming just not up to what 6 month olds are doing. He is progressing. I mentioned this to my pediatrician who is now recommending we take him for a MRI since the report from the ultrasound recommended one if their were delays in milestones.

I really don't want to put him through sedation for the MRI if it's not necessary. The Dr. recommends we do it so we can have peace of mind that there's nothing more going on.

WWYD? Have you had experience with sedation in a young baby?

Large head and MRI - WWYD?

my dd has a large head. it's been off the charts since birth and she's dmall (50% in weight and hight). I was told because her head has always been off the charts, not to worry. her head has followed a normal curve even though it's off the charts. what milestones is your ds bot meeting?

Large head and MRI - WWYD?

I don't really know much about that condition so forgive me if this is a stupid question but If they find out that (God forbid) something is wrong, can they do something about it to treat it?

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

He did not roll over (back to belly), had a weak trunk therefore did not sit up at all (nor would he guard himself) and would not bear weight on his feet.

He is just shy of 7 months now and has rolled once, will sit up for a few minutes, and will now stand if you support him.

When I had asked the Dr. if we could wait a few weeks and see if he progressed she said that didn't matter. She still wants us to have it. It's scheduled for next week and I just don't want to do it but I don't want to regret it g-d forbid.

Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Oh gosh!! i have no experience! i am not sure what to even say.
what would an MRI show that would not show up on an ultrasound?
has any blood work been done?
which milestones does he have delays in?
i feel like i would want to wait a little longer.

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Large head and MRI - WWYD?

i see that your ped is recommending that you do it regardless if he progresses. i guess you should follow your peds advice.

what about a 2nd opinion?

i wish you the best of luck! i know this is all scary. i hate to have put a baby through sedation but i think the what ifs/should have/ would kill me more if there was something that could have been treated in a timely manner.
in this case, i guess err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of your child.
good luck and keep us posted!!

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Honestly, I would do it. Most likely it's nothing, but in case it is something, the earlier you know, the better.

Large head and MRI - WWYD?

I think I would go for a second opinion with a pediatric neurologist before sedation and an MRI. My ped scared me about my DD's head size and I went to a pediatric neurologist over the concerns. I think that ped's that aren't specialized in areas like this jump to unnecessary testing to cover themselves very quickly.

I am actually surprised that you weren't referred to one after the inital ultrasound. My DD did have a catscan at 9 months due to a fall- they strapped her down, and it was scary for her- but we went that route vs. sedation. Is that a possibility?

Message edited 3/20/2013 3:21:06 PM.

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Message edited 3/20/2013 3:23:12 PM.

Large head and MRI - WWYD?

i do agree that you should get a 2nd opinion however, what if they are conflicting. what if one dr says get it and the other says dont?
if they both agree to get one, that is a no brainer but if they are in disagreement, then where do you go from there?

i would def go for a 2nd opinion though

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Large head and MRI - WWYD?

My twins are 16 months but we had to do MRI on one of them at 1yr. It was very hard. It came back normal though. It was not due to big head but because he is also delayed & has low trunk tone. Hei is behind in some areas. If they are suggesting it then you should go ahead withit. If you have questions, drop me a line

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Someone I know had a child that was behind developmentally, receiving Early Intervention, etc. they didn't know what was causing the delay so the ped said they could go for an MRI if they wanted. Like you she didn't want to put her child under and decided against it. One day the child (almost 2) started having serious medical issues and was brought to the ER. They diagnosed a VERY large brain tumor that day. After that story, if there was ANY question about development and unanswered questions I would absolutely get an MRI. They think the tumor was there since birth or shortly after, with this child. You just never know.

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

My daughter had an MRI of the Brain for something unrelated to your childs issue. I was a nervous wreck but in the end I'm glad I did the MRI. It put all of my fears to rest. It is much worse on the parent for the child. If you do decide to take that route feel free to FM for any info on the MRI. My thought is that I would rather be thorough then not. I aslo had two opinons from two different neuros one wanted the MRI the other said not neccesary. Looking back if I had a through Ped from the begining I would have avoided the MRI all together.

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

I would get a second opinion. Good luck. FWIW, my kids needed some tests because they were breech and worried about hip/leg development. I opted to have both of my kids tested. They both came out fine. DD still did not walk until she was almost 18 months old. I am still glad we got them tested though.

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

I would definitely see a ped Neuro, for sure. I would also probably go ahead with the MRI, too.

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Pediatric neurologist. No question.

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

BTW: my boy never rolled over at his milestone time! We lied to the pediatrician! He did roll over shortly after & is totally normal... An early walker even!

Large head and MRI - WWYD?

I would do it. My dd had had three mris in her life bc of an unrelated issue. It's hard to put them through it but the piece of mind she is healthy was worth it. Aso if they found something, early detection is key.!!!

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

I would get a second opinion.

We had to put our DD under anesthesia in the OR at 6 months for a scope, so I know it's scary, but sometimes you have to do it. But we only agreed to do it after the ped sent us to a specialist, who then referred us to another specialist.

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Re: Large head and MRI - WWYD?

Doing great now thank god! They went through a lot, long treatments. But everything is all clear now.