Microcephaly can also occur when your child is exposed to certain viruses, drugs, or toxins in the womb. Microcephaly is a rare condition. It can also happen if your baby's brain starts to grow and an injury happens before or after birth. As part of their treatment your child may see various health professionals such as: Microcephaly is linked to different causes. Learn. https://cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html. They can have an impact on general health and how the body grows and functions. After birth, or if a child develops microcephaly later, health professionals usually diagnose it by measuring the childs head and monitoring head growth. Theyll also keep records of your childs growth and development. However, since 2007 outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been . Case 1 A 29-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, was referred at . Sometimes the gene changes that cause it are inherited from parents. We are currently raising funds to provide necessities, services. Microcephaly can be congenital, meaning it is present at birth, or acquired, meaning that the baby's head was a normal size at birth but did not grow appropriately over time. Sometimes the gene changes happen without any family history. Microcephaly can be present at birth (congenital) or may develop postnatally (acquired). It can also form in water, leading to contaminated fish. If you need to travel a country affected by Zika virus, you should: Advice for preventing mosquito bites include: If you have any questions about microcephaly you can call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. Keep in mind that a child's head size does not necessarily predict how well the child will do. Microcephaly is a condition in which your babys head is smaller than those of other children of the same age and sex. (2018). Microcephaly can range from mild to severe, therefore the treatment options range as well. Microcephaly is one of the most common fetal structural abnormalities, and prenatal microcephaly is considered a group I malformation of cortical development diagnosed according to ultrasonography (US) skull measurements ().It is defined as a head circumference (HC) >3 standard deviations below the mean or below the second percentile for gestational age (GA) (2-4). Abnormal brain development can occur while your child is still in the womb or during infancy. Proportionate congenital microcephaly might result from an intrauterine dystrophy [ 11 ] that impacts both head and body growth, whereas disproportionate microcephaly presents head growth lagged behind somatic growth or weight gain [ 12 ]. adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Terms of Use. Microcephaly is a condition where a babys head is much smaller than expected. Microcephaly may be diagnosed either during pregnancy or after birth (WHO 2016a). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect This can happen while the baby is still . Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Management of microcephaly involves: The prognosis for a child who has microcephaly depends on the other medical conditions the child has. Ultrasounds have the best diagnosis possibility if they are made at the end of the second trimester, around 28 weeks, or in the third trimester of pregnancy. 1996-2023 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. These people have usually travelled to a country where the virus is very common, such as: The Australian Department of Health recommends that you should avoid travel to a country affected by Zika if you are: If you are infected with the Zika virus while pregnant, you might pass the infection on to your unborn baby. All rights reserved. Other physical characteristics might include poor growth in general and short stature. Doctors then compare the . Work with your health care provider to determine the cause of the microcephaly. Developmental services early in life will often help babies with microcephaly to improve and maximize their physical and intellectual abilities. But in reality . Take the Chickenpox Quiz to assess your IQ of this itchy, blistering childhood skin disease. When is microcephaly usually diagnosed? Congenital defects, both major and minor, occur in around three percent of all births. Other things can cause microcephaly during pregnancy or birth. Most of the time, abnormal brain development causes this condition. Severe microcephaly also can be life-threatening. Microcephaly most often occurs because the brain does not grow at a normal rate. Microcephaly can cause developmental delays and other neurological symptoms. Microcephaly is a rare condition that happens when your brain grows abnormally. After the baby is born, microcephaly can be diagnosed by measuring the babys head circumference (all the way around) and comparing it with normal head sizes of newborns. Learning disabilities can cause an individual to have trouble learning and using skills such as reading, listening, writing, reading, speaking, reasoning, and performing mathematics. The rest of the body is often underweight and smaller than normal. Of these, roughly three out of four will be detected by ultrasound. Expectant mothers can lower their chances of having a baby with microcephaly by abstaining from drugs and alcohol, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding hazardous substances and viruses that might cause microcephaly. Its not always possible to prevent microcephaly, especially when the cause is genetic. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. There's no cure for microcephaly, but early diagnosis, supportive treatment, and therapies can aid the child's development and improve their quality of life. Also, some children who have microcephaly go on to develop normally. Syndromic microcephaly (associated with dysmorphism and/or brain and/or systemic malformations) is usually diagnosed postnatally 18. Your doctor can measure your babys growth in several ways. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. difficulties with coordination and balance. Major birth defects data from population-based birth defects surveillance programs in the United States, 2006-2010. If your child has microcephaly, they can access different services and treatments. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Microcephaly is a relatively rare neurological condition that is usually present at birth or in the initial years. Microcephaly in utero is conventionally defined as a fetal head circumference (HC) 3SD below the mean for gestational age according to Jeanty et al.'s reference range. Head size is an important measurement to monitor a child's brain growth. Decreased oxygen to your babys brain can increase their risk of developing this disorder. That said, it's most often diagnosed after birth, when doctors measure head size during a physical examination and compare that measurement to population . In order to make the diagnosis while the fetus is still in the uterus, the ultrasound should be done late in the second trimester or in the third trimester. Diagnosis. We provide support before, during and after pregnancy. Another measure of infant growth is head circumference, or the size of your babys head. A health care practitioner uses a flexible tape to measure the child's head over the ridge of the eyebrows and around the . Microcephaly's causes, symptoms and management are discussed. The most reliable way to assess whether a baby has microcephaly is to measure head circumference at birth and again 24 hours after birth. Click on. Microcephaly is a rare condition that happens when your brain grows abnormally. The infection usually isnt very serious. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Common characteristics of this syndrome include: For example, children with this condition often have: Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21. Sometimes detected at birth, microcephaly often occurs when there is a problem with brain development in the womb or when the brain stops growing after birth. This condition may be present when your baby is born. For example, your doctor will check your babys height or length and their weight to learn if theyre growing normally. Anencephaly is a birth defect in which the brain and bones of the skull don't form completely while the baby is in the womb. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Severe microcephaly can result because a babys brain has not developed properly during pregnancy, or the brain started to develop correctly and then was damaged at some point during pregnancy. Microcephaly may be diagnosed before birth by prenatal ultrasound, a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound . Conditions that affect brain growth can cause smaller than normal head size. Sometimes, the cause of microcephaly is unknown. This is usually defined as a head circumference below the 3rd percentile. These things include: Physical characteristics Most babies born with microcephaly have heads that are smaller than usual and that dont grow with them. Make a donation. If you catch Zika virus while pregnant you might pass the infection on to your unborn baby. Sometimes medications also are needed to treat seizures or other symptoms. What are the treatment options for microcephaly? Anencephaly is a NTD that results from a failure of the anterior (rostral) portion of the embryonic neural tube (anterior neuropore) to close properly. Pregnancy, Birth and Babys information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous How is microcephaly diagnosed? Microcephaly is a rare condition that happens when your brain grows abnormally. The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to Some of the causes of birth defects include genetic or chromosome problems. It is only reported in 1 in 10,000 babies in Australia. Ultrasounds have the best diagnosis possibility if they are made at the end of the second trimester, around 28 weeks, or in the third trimester of pregnancy. The full extent of microcephaly on the child is usually not completely understood until the child grows and develops. Despite being small, the brain may have a normal structure in some. Other causes of microcephaly, including severe microcephaly, can include the following exposures during pregnancy: Some babies with microcephaly have been reported among mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Your provider will measure the circumference of your child's head, compare it with a growth chart, and remeasure and plot the growth at future visits. Microcephaly is a rare nervous system disorder that causes a baby's head to be small and not fully developed. What causes microcephaly? The exact causes of microcephaly are not known. It is only reported in 1 in 10,000 babies in Australia. Heres what you need to, There's no evidence that vaccines are linked to birth defects or developmental issues. Microcephaly (my-kroh-SEF-uh-lee) is a rare neurological condition in which an infant's head is much smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex. Microcephaly may be diagnosed before birth by prenatal ultrasound. https://www.uptodate.com/home. Microcephaly is a condition in which a babys head is smaller than average. National Birth Defects Prevention Network. Microcephaly can be caused by various genetic or environmental factors, and the severity varies in each individual. Microcephaly can be determined by measuring head circumference (HC) after birth. Children with no additional issues other than a tiny head size will not require therapy. Infants diagnosed with mild Microcephaly do not experience any problems other than a small head size which requires routine check-ups to monitor growth and development. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you take care of yourself, youll be better able to care for your child. In primary micrencephaly (micrencephaly vera), the cerebral configuration is essentially normal without evidence of . Once a baby is diagnosed with microcephaly, a multidisciplinary health team should begin a process of follow-up and monitoring of the child. Microcephaly most often occurs because the brain does not grow at a normal rate. Often, the cause of abnormal brain development is unknown. Poisoning from mercury or other metals or poisons. If they note abnormalities, they may diagnose your child with microcephaly. Developmental delays, including speech and movement, Difficulties with coordination and balance. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. In order to make the diagnosis while the baby is still in the womb, the ultrasound should be done late in the second trimester or in the third trimester. Microcephaly is a genetic condition where the circumference of the head is smaller than normal due to underdeveloped brain. Treatment of a child with microcephaly involves a team of doctors, teachers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Arthrogryposis is a congenital condition present at birth characterized by a stiffening of the joints. Microcephaly can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. (B) Congenital infection where occipitofrontal head circumference is shifted to the left . The measurement value also may be designated as less than the 3rd percentile. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. This can cause health problems for your baby, including microcephaly. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. See additional information. Microcephaly can occur because a babys brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, which results in a smaller head size. Complications include bacterial infection of the open sores, scarring, encephalitis, nerve palsies, and Reye's syndrome. Microcephaly can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. Anencephaly and microcephaly are cephalic disorders that commonly affect the brain of babies. Need to talk? Often diagnosis is made at birth or at a later stage. Microcephaly may be genetic. Microcephaly may be diagnosed before birth by prenatal ultrasound. Microcephaly is aneurodevelopmental disorder that is, a problem with the way the brain or nervous system grows and develops. Microcephaly can be an isolated condition, meaning that it can occur with no other major birth defects, or it can occur in combination with other major birth defects. the above link to submit your information! Other causes may include: Some children with microcephaly achieve developmental milestones even though their heads will always be small for their age and sex. After the baby is born, microcephaly can be diagnosed by measuring the baby's head circumference (all the way . It also gives you funding for things like early intervention therapies or one-off items like wheelchairs. In severe microcephaly, a baby's head is much smaller when compared to other babies of the same age and sex. Congenital microcephaly can have many different causes including as part of certain . Weighted blankets are they safe for kids or during pregnancy? Other signs and symptoms that may be present are as follows: Microcephaly usually occurs as a result of abnormal brain development in the uterus/womb (congenital) or during infancy. Children with issues concerning academic, speech or motor skills may benefit from: Physical issues, such as seizures and facial abnormalities, can occur in some children with severe microcephaly. INTRODUCTION. Maximizing his or her capabilities at home and in the community. Poisoning occurs when you eat contaminated seafood or meat from an animal thats been fed seed grain that contains methylmercury. Join FCM's Parent-to-Parent Support Group on Facebook! There are treatment options to help. The causes of microcephaly in most babies are unknown. In total, nearly 700,000 cases of Zika were reported to the Pan American Health Organization between 2015 and 2017. Ultrasounds let . There are many different causes of microcephaly, including: Substances harmful to your baby include drugs and chemicals. The child born with microcephaly has a head smaller than expected in comparison to other newborns of the same gender and age. The most important factor is that the head circumference is carefully measured and documented. working in partnership with your childs professionals, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), certain infections during pregnancy for example, infection with the Zika virus, rubella or chickenpox, exposure to certain toxic chemicals or a lot of alcohol or drug use during pregnancy, not enough oxygen to the babys brain during pregnancy or birth. The symptoms of microcephaly can be like other health conditions. The provider then compares this measurement to population standards by sex and age. Boom JA. Genetic conditions that can cause microcephaly include: Cornelia de Lange syndrome slows your childs growth inside and outside of the womb. This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation (HON) and complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Maternal malnutrition (the mother doesnt get enough food or nutrients while pregnant). The NDIS helps you get services and support in your community. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. The views of these organizations are their own and do not reflect the official position of CDC. Please check and try again. Some children with microcephaly are both with normal intelligence and have normal developmental milestones, but their heads will always be smaller than normal children for their age and sex. However, if you think your baby's head is small for the baby's age and sex or isn't growing as it should, talk to your provider. Microcephaly is associated with mild to severe developmental delays and disability. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. The CDC advises women who are considering getting pregnant to follow the same recommendations or at least speak to their doctor before traveling to these areas. Chances are your health care provider will detect microcephaly at your baby's birth or at a regular well-baby checkup. A baby is either born with a smaller head, or the condition can develop as the child grows. Medication may be prescribed to treat certain complications of microcephaly such as seizures and hyperactivity. Do you want to help children diagnosed with microcephaly by holding a fundraising event? However, health professionals may wait until the third trimester, at around 28 weeks , to actually diagnose microcephaly (RCOG 2016a) . Talking to other parents can also be a great way to get support. Surgery for craniosynostosis: Surgery for craniosynostosis involves the separation of the fused skull bones. They also have: People with the severe form of this condition often dont survive past childhood. Its good to see yourself asworking in partnership with your childs professionals. Craniosynostosis and positional plagiocephaly (infant). If youre infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii while youre pregnant, it can harm your developing baby. AskMayoExpert. Vision problems can be managed with prescription eyeglasses. They need to feel that theyre just as important to you as your child with disability that you care about them and what theyre going through. Before this stage, a smaller than expected head may not be obvious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women who are pregnant shouldnt travel to areas where there have been Zika virus outbreaks or areas that have a risk of Zika outbreaks. Sometimes the baby may develop microcephaly within the first two years of life; this is referred to as acquired microcephaly. Microcephaly may be genetic. A measuring tape is placed over the most prominent part on the posterior aspect of the head (occiput) and just above the eyebrows (supraorbital ridges) and above the ears.