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What is Microcephaly?

Microcephaly is a rare medical condition wherein the head circumference is smaller than normal since the development of the brain hasn’t taken place properly or has stopped growing. Microcephaly is a condition that may be present at birth or may develop in the initial few years of life. Typically this disease is said to be caused due to genetic abnormalities that act as a hindrance with the cerebral cortex’s growth during the early months of fetal development. There are chances of babies born microcephaly in case their mother was addicted to alcohol or drugs in her pregnancy. This babies then become infected with diseases such as rubella (German measles), Zika virus, Chicken pox virus, and cytomegalovirus. Even if the expectant mother was exposed to toxic chemicals, the virus may pass on to the baby. Microcephaly is linked with neurometabolic syndromes, Down’s syndrome and chromosomal syndromes.

Causes of Microcephaly

Microcephaly has more than one cause. It is important to know the exact cause to predict what symptoms will a child have suffering from microcephaly. For instance, certain forms of microcephaly are associated with higher risks for seizures and severe developmental delay, while others forms are not. Some forms of Microcephaly may impair motor function and also there are chances of it affecting other parts of the body. An expectant mother in case was untreated for Zika virus, there are probabilities that cause vision as well as hearing problems.

Microcephaly is most often congenital. This means that a baby is born with the said condition. However, in certain cases, it is quite possible for a baby to develop microcephaly post birth.

Mentioned below are some of the causes of congenital microcephaly:

  • Prenatal infections: In case the expectant mother is exposed to the Zika virus, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy, it can damage nerve cells in the brain. There are certain other infectious agents that can also cause microcephaly, which includes toxoplasma, rubella (German measles), chickenpox, and cytomegalovirus.
  • Other Microcephaly causes during pregnancy: Any substance abuse or alcohol abuse as well as exposure to harmful metals, toxic chemicals, inadequate nutrition as well as untreated phenylketonuria during pregnancy are said to be Microcephaly causes in a baby.
  • Genetic mutations: There are more than hundred genes that have been associated with microcephaly, and yet more are still being discovered. Any defects in these genes may also interfere with the development of the brain. Microcephaly may also be linked to Down syndrome or certain neurometabolic disorders, in some cases.

Microcephaly causes during infancy may include:

  • genetic mutations
  • lack of oxygen to the brain
  • brain infection
  • traumatic brain injury

Types of Microcephaly

There are no types of Microcephaly

Treatment

What should you do for Microcephaly prevention?

It is important that you talk to your healthcare provider in case you plan a pregnancy. Ask about the personal risks of having and raising a child suffering with microcephaly as well as the steps or preventive measures that you can take for lowering that risk.

During pregnancy, one may reduce the risk of complications by not getting addicted to alcohol, drugs, as well as other toxins.

You also need to take preventive measures for diseases such as rubella, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus as well as toxoplasmosis that are associated to Microcephaly. Taking such steps for Microcephaly prevention is important if you plan of growing your family.

What are the available Microcephaly treatment options?

Till today, there is no Microcephaly treatment available which may help in returning child’s head to a normal size or shape. Treatment however will focus on methods to reduce the impact of the associated deformities as well as neurological disabilities. Children suffering from microcephaly as well as developmental delays will typically be evaluated by a pediatric neurologist. Programs that help in speech, physical abilities as well as early childhood intervention programs and occupational therapists may help in minimizing the dysfunction. There would be medications prescribed for controlling seizures, neuromuscular symptoms as well as hyperactivity. Genetic counseling will also be helpful for families to understand the risk for microcephaly in any future pregnancies.

Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Microcephaly?

There are no natural or homemade remedies that can help cure Microcephaly.

When to see a doctor?

In case you find Microcephaly symptoms such as poor appetite, speech delays, difficulty with balance as well as movement, poor weight gain, mild to severe disabilities to learning, seizures, hearing and vision issues, facial deformities, dwarfism, etc. you should make an appointment with your doctor.

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