Practical Home Disease Identification

Author: Xia Xiaokai, Xiao Fan / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features:
1. Head Diagnosis
The size, shape, and movement of the head are important components of human appearance. Abnormal head size or deformity is a typical sign of certain diseases and is often accompanied by some special changes in the face. Common types include:
1. Microcephaly: If the fontanelle closes too early in infancy, it can lead to microcephaly. The child may have delayed intellectual development and is often seen in hereditary diseases, such as tooth-eye-bone syndrome (Meyers-Schwickerath syndrome). In addition to a small head, the child may also exhibit wide-set eyes, low auricles, cleft lip, small mandible, syndactyly (webbed fingers/toes), and poor nail development.
2. Macrocephaly: In children with hydrocephalus, intracranial hypertension and the long-term effects of hydrocephalus cause the forehead, temporal, and occipital regions to protrude, leading to an enlarged head. Relatively, the face is smaller, and scalp vein distension may be observed. A special expression of downward gaze and scleral exposure, sometimes referred to as the "setting sun phenomenon."
3. Oxycephaly: This is caused by premature closure of the sagittal suture in infancy, resulting in a convex top of the head and the formation of an oxycephalic deformity. The child may have a slightly lower skull base and slightly shallower orbits, leading to facial asymmetry. It is an autosomal dominant genetic disease and is often accompanied by facial or syndactyly deformities.
4. Brachycephaly: The forehead protrudes left and right, and the top of the head is relatively flat, forming a square shape. It can be seen in children with rickets, osteopetrosis, and congenital syphilis. The fontanelle of normal children is flat and usually closes within 12-18 months. If it does not close, it may indicate rickets. A sunken fontanelle is common in dehydrated children, while a bulging fontanelle is seen in patients with intracranial hypertension, such as encephalitis, meningitis, and brain tumors. However, a temporary physiological bulging may also occur during crying.
5. Abnormal Head Movement: Abnormal head movement can be observed with the eyes. If head movement is restricted, it is often seen in neck diseases. If there is involuntary but rhythmic tremor of the head, it may indicate Parkinson's disease. Sometimes, a nodding movement synchronized with the pulse can be seen, known as the systolic nodding sign, and is observed in aortic aneurysms and severe rheumatic heart disease (aortic valve insufficiency). P2-3