Microcephaly is a rare neurological condition where an infant's head is significantly smaller than average for their age and sex. It is usually the result of abnormal brain development in the womb or after birth and can be caused by genetic factors or exposure to infections, toxins, or lack of oxygen prenatally. Children with microcephaly often have developmental delays or intellectual disabilities, and treatment focuses on early intervention to support development and manage any complications.

3. INTRODUCTION
SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
COMPLICATIONS
TREATMENT AND DRUGS
TEST AND DIAGNOSIS

4.  MICROCEPHALY (my-kroh-sef-uh-lee) is a rare neurological condition
 In which an infant's head is significantly smaller than the heads of other
children of the same age and sex.
 Sometimes detected at birth,
microcephaly usually is the result of the
brain developing abnormally in the
womb or not growing as it should after
birth.
 Microcephaly can be caused by a variety
of genetic and environmental factors.
 Children with microcephaly often have developmental issues.
 Generally there's no treatment for microcephaly, but early intervention
may help enhance your child's development and improve quality of life.

5.  A head size significantly smaller than that of other children of the
same age and sex
 Head size is measured as the distance
around the top of the child's head
(circumference).
 Using standardized growth charts, the
measurement is compared with other
children's measurements in percentiles.
 Some children just have small heads, which
may measure in the third, second or even first percentiles.
 In children with microcephaly, head size
measures significantly below average, possibly
even below the first percentile for your baby's
age and sex.
 A child with more severe microcephaly may also
have a backward sloping forehead.

6.  Microcephaly usually is the result of abnormal brain development,
which can occur in the womb (congenital) or in infancy.
Other causes may include:
 Craniosynostosis.
 Chromosomal abnormalities.
 Infections of the fetus during
pregnancy.
 Exposure to drugs, alcohol or
certain toxic chemicals in the womb.
 Severe malnutrition
 Decreased oxygen to the fetal brain (cerebral anoxia).

9.  Some children with microcephaly will be of normal intelligence
and development,
 Even though their heads will always be small for their age and
sex. But depending on the cause and severity of the
microcephaly
Complications may include:
 Developmental delays, such as in speech and movement
 Difficulties with coordination
and balance
 Dwarfism or short stature
 Facial distortions
 Hyperactivity
 Mental retardation
 Seizures

10.  Except for surgery for craniosynostosis, there's
generally no treatment that will enlarge your child's
head or reverse complications of microcephaly.
 Treatment focuses on ways to manage your child's
condition.
 Early childhood intervention programs that include
speech, physical and occupational therapy may help
your child strengthen abilities.
 Certain complications of microcephaly, such as
seizures or hyperactivity, may be treated with
medication.

11.  To determine whether your child has microcephaly, your doctor likely
will take a thorough prenatal, birth and family history and do a
physical exam.
 Parents' head sizes also may be measured to determine whether
small heads run in the family.
 In some cases, particularly if your
child's development is delayed,
your doctor may request tests such
as a head CT scan or MRI and blood
tests to help determine the
underlying cause of the delay.