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.
- Intellectual disabilities.
- Seizures.
Who is most affected by microcephaly?
Prevalence estimates for microcephaly (per 10,000 live births) were lowest among non-Hispanic Whites (6.5) and non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islanders (7.6), and highest among non-Hispanic Blacks (11.2) and Hispanics (11.9).
What effects does the disorder microcephaly have on human development of the brain?
Depending on the severity of the accompanying syndrome, children with microcephaly may have impaired cognitive development, delayed motor functions and speech, facial distortions, dwarfism or short stature, hyperactivity, seizures, difficulties with coordination and balance, and other brain or neurological …
What is a known risk to produce microcephaly in a fetus?
Microcephaly may be caused by problems with brain development or being exposed to alcohol and certain drugs, chemicals and infections in the womb. Zika virus infection during pregnancy causes microcephaly. If you’re pregnant and think you may have Zika, call your health care provider.
What is microcephaly and what are some of the symptoms of microcephaly?
The main feature of microcephaly is a head size that is much smaller than normal for the child’s age and gender. Other signs and symptoms can vary widely from child to child. They can include: poor weight gain and growth.
What is it called when your brain doesn’t grow?
Microcephaly is a condition in which a child’s brain doesn’t develop properly. The most obvious symptom is that the child has a smaller head than others of the same age and gender. Because the brain doesn’t grow at a normal rate, the skull doesn’t either.
What is Micro encephalitis?
Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly. Click here to view a larger image.
What are the complications of microcephaly in children?
Some children with microcephaly are 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: Learning your child has microcephaly can raise questions about future pregnancies.
What causes microcephaly in Down syndrome?
Down syndrome and other conditions may result in microcephaly. Decreased oxygen to the fetal brain (cerebral anoxia). Certain complications of pregnancy or delivery can impair oxygen delivery to the fetal brain. Infections passed to the fetus during pregnancy.
Is microcephaly associated with Zika virus infection?
Increased number or clustering of cases of microcephaly have been reported in context of outbreaks of Zika virus infection. The most likely explanation of available evidence is that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities including microcephaly.
Can microcephaly cause dwarfism and short stature?
Dwarfism and short stature are not complications of microcephaly. However, they may be associated with the condition. How is microcephaly diagnosed? Your child’s doctor can diagnose this condition by tracking your baby’s growth and development. When you give birth to your baby, the doctor will measure their head circumference.
