Cephalic in Ultrasound: Understanding Fetal Head Measurements

Terminology

Cephalic (from Greek kephalē, head) refers to fetal head measurements/observations in obstetric ultrasound.

Key Measurements

Importance

Serial cephalic biometry monitors fetal growth, detects anomalies (neural tube, craniosynostosis, growth restriction), and guides delivery planning.

Brain Surgery - Related Articles

• Open MRI vs. Closed MRI: Scan Time Differences Explained
• Spinal Lemniscus: Ascending Sensory Pathways in the Brainstem
• Pharyngectomy: Understanding Surgical Removal of the Pharynx
• Brain MRI: Understanding the Procedure, Purpose & Preparation
• Post-Phlebotomy Complications: When to Seek Medical Attention
• MRI Safety: Frequency Guidelines and Considerations
• Split-Brain Surgery: Understanding Effects and Outcomes

Brain Surgery

• Neurocysticercosis: Understanding Brain Worm Infections
• LEEP Procedure Recovery: Why You Should Avoid Swimming for Two Weeks
• Does the Skull Have a Function for 'Banging Your Head'? Clarifying a Misconception
• Spinal Decompression Surgery: Risks, Benefits & What to Expect
• Mohs Surgery Codes for Arm Malignant Neoplasm (Stage 1, 4 Blocks)
• Who Performs MRI Scans? Technologist vs. Doctor Roles
• Smart Liposuction Safety: What You Need to Know
• Intracranial Surgery: Understanding Brain & Skull Procedures
• Preparing Your Child for Brain Surgery: A Parent's Guide
• Split-Brain Surgery: Understanding Corpus Callosotomy & Epilepsy Treatment
• Cystoscopy Sterility: Procedure Classification and Infection Prevention
• Clear Fluid Leakage After Brain Surgery: Understanding CSF Leaks

Health Sciences © https://www.222health.com

Measurement	Definition	Clinical Use
Cephalic Index (CI)	BPD / OFD × 100 (transverse / anteroposterior diameter)	Head shape: 75–85 normal. <75 = dolichocephaly; >85 = brachycephaly. Assess molding, constraint.
Biparietal Diameter (BPD)	Transverse width at thalami level	Gestational age dating (2nd tri), growth tracking.
Occipitofrontal Diameter (OFD)	Anteroposterior length	Complements BPD for CI.
Head Circumference (HC)	Perimeter of cranium	Growth, micro-/macrocephaly detection.
Cephalic Hematoma	Subperiosteal blood (bound by suture lines)	Birth trauma; resolves weeks-months. Distinct from caput succedaneum (crosses sutures).
Cephalic Prominence	Localized skull bulge	May indicate encephalocele, cephalocele, tumor, molding. Needs follow-up.