Microcephaly: What is it?
A condition where a baby's head is smaller than expected compared to other babies of similar age and gender. Typically the result is a smaller brain and from there various development complications. Microcephaly can be an isolated conditions in which a smaller than average head is the only complication. However, as stated associated development complications are common.
These complications can include:
Pictured Right: A diagram depicting the size of a child's head with microcephaly. (Source: CDC) Causes and Risk FactorsA definitive cause for this condition does not exist. There is no one event that leads to a child being born with Microcephaly. Some of the known causes are:
South and Central American countries have seen a sharp rise in mircocephaly cases which shows a strong correlation with the Zika Virus. It is presumed pregnant mothers who are bitten by a mosquito and contract the virus leads to their children being born with microcephaly. |
Diagnosis
During Birth:
An ultrasound can be done in the second or third trimester of a pregnancy. A doctor can make a reasonable assumption from the image whether or not a child appears to have microcephaly. However, this is more of an assumption than fact and proper diagnosis will have to wait until the birth. Post Birth: A physician will measure the distance around the head of the child, called the head circumference. This is typically done at least 24 hours after the birth, so that any compression from the birthing process has subsided. The distance is then compared to standard values and if the value if below a certain range the child is diagnosed with microcephaly. The standard values are set by the WHO. Follow up tests such as an MRI or CT scan are conducted to determine the effect on the brain and other vital information. |
Treatments
There is No Cure for children who have microcephaly. This is a life long condition, but that does not mean that it can't be overcome. For mild cases of microcephaly, specialized care isn't needed and they will just need a physician to monitor their growth and development. For severe cases various specialists and services may be needed to help care for the child. For example:
- Neurologists to monitor brain development
- Optometrists to help with vision complications
- Speech Therapists
- Wheelchairs
- Feeding Tubes to help with feeding problems
Other Resources/Organizations
- Foundation for Children with Microcephaly
- The only official organization dedicated to children with microcephaly
- http://www.childrenwithmicro.org/
- March of Dimes
- Organization dedicated to preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality
- http://www.marchofdimes.org/
- CDC
- Center for Disease Control is dedicated to researching and preventing conditions like mircocephaly
- http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html
- WHO
- World Health Organization
- http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/microcephaly/en/