Microcephaly

Microcephaly head

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Microcephaly : A genetic abnormality

The term microcephaly literally translates to “small-headedness”. Microcephaly is a genetic predisposition in which an infant is born with a shrunken head or its head stops growing after the birth. It is a rare neurological condition where the baby’s brain is of much smaller size when compared to the normal standards. The brain may or may not have developed completely during gestation. Researchers are still unsure whether microcephaly is an isolated condition or not. Isolated condition refers to a disease which doesn’t occur along with other major body defects.

Microcephaly headAccording to WHO, the best way to detect the presence of microcephaly in a baby is to measure the circumference of its head 24 hours post the birth and compare it to standard growth values.

This process must be repeated regularly, in case there is a high risk of the baby acquiring this condition.

It is not necessary that a baby with microcephaly will be born with a small head. It may also happen that the brain stops growing a few years after the birth too. In both these cases, the child suffers from developmental issues.

 

Identifying the causes and risk factors

Microcephaly is a result of the impaired growth of the cerebral cortex during early developmental stages of the fetus. It may happen because of these reasons:

  • Infections during the state of pregnancy can cause such severe birth defects. This includes toxoplasmosis, HIV, rubella, syphilis, herpes, and even Zika. Toxoplasmosis occurs as a result of eating undercooked meat.
  • Exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy such as nicotine, alcohol, drugs, arsenic, harmful radiation etc.
  • If the expecting mother is severely malnourished during pregnancy, the fetus has a high risk of developing microcephaly.
  • Injuries to the fetal brain (hypoxia-ischemia trauma).
  • Other genetic (chromosomal) abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome, Poland Syndrome etc are also associated with microcephaly.
  • Craniosynostosis – premature fusing of joints, may also lead to microcephaly.

 

Symptoms associated with microcephaly

Microcephaly zika virusThe impaired growth of an infant’s brain due to this condition presents severe developmental issues in the baby.  While the brain stops growing in size, the face continues to grow at the normal rate. This results in the baby having a tiny head with a receding forehead and a scalp which is wrinkled due to the uneven facial structure.

The degree of symptoms range from mild to severe and persist lifelong. In case of severe microcephaly, the condition can be fatal.The other symptoms associated with microcephaly are:

  • Seizures and impaired motor functions.
  • Intellectual and cognitive disability.
  • The child is usually underweight and suffers from dwarfism.
  • Poor swallowing capacity.
  • The child faces difficulty in moving and balancing its body and limbs.
  • Hearing and vision loss.
  • Hyperactive tendencies.

 

Detection and diagnosis

This disease can be detected either during the pregnancy or after the birth of the baby.

  • Prenatal diagnosis of microcephaly can be achieved through ultrasound. If the fetus has developed microcephaly, it will be detected during late 2nd trimester or early 3rd trimester period. It is not a very common way of detecting this condition.
  • Diagnosing microcephaly after birth is done by measuring the baby’s head circumference. If this value is lesser than the standard value for that particular age and sex, it is categorized as microcephaly. The measured value must be two SDs (standard deviations) lesser than the standard value to be considered as microcephaly.

 

Is this condition treatable?

Unfortunately, there are no known cures for this condition. The symptoms associated with microcephaly usually last a lifetime. As mentioned earlier, they occur in varying degrees (mild to severe) in different patients. The treatment procedures are directed towards providing symptomatic and supportive care to the child.

With regular check-ups with the doctor, the severity of seizures and movement disabilities can be controlled. While these cannot completely stop the symptoms, they can help the child manage the illness.  Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy have shown positive results in helping the patients cope up with the disability.

Serious microcephaly can result in cerebral palsy and episodes of epilepsy. In case of mild microcephaly, these conditions occur less frequently and many children are able to achieve near-normal growth.

 

How can you prevent the onset of microcephaly?

Microcephaly preventionThe following precautionary steps taken by an expecting mother during pregnancy can decrease the likelihood of microcephaly in the fetus:

  • Refrain from exposure to harmful chemicals such as drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.
  • Have a well-balanced nutritious diet.
  • Cat feces and under-cooked meat causes toxoplasmosis. Stay away from these.
  • Zika virus spread by mosquitoes is also responsible for causing microcephaly. Take proper preventive measures against mosquito bites.
  • Seek genetic counseling, before planning a family, if there are blood relatives who have microcephaly.

 

 

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • It is very important to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes since they are the carriers of Zika virus. Gutters should be kept closed and water shouldn’t be allowed to stagnate.
  • Regularly use mosquito repellant sprays and cream.
  • Wash hands properly after eating, coughing, or sneezing.
Don'ts
  • Indulge in sexual contact with an  infected person.
  • Share personal care items such as razors which might come in contact with blood.
  • Visit Zika virus affected areas.
  • Expose yourself to infections such as rubella (German Measles), chicken pox etc when expecting a baby.

 

 

 

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GGT – Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test GGT or gammaglutamyl transferase test is a liver function test that is used to detect the extent of…
Bloodtestalbumin
Albumin Test Albumin test or blood serum test is a liver function test that measures the amount of the protein…
anoscopy
Anoscopy Anoscopy is an invasive diagnostic procedure where a small device known as anoscope will be inserted in the…
malarial antigen test
Malaria Antigen Test A malaria antigen test is a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that can detect malarial antigens (proteins) in your…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
Diabetes blood test
Diabetic Profile The diabetic profile is a set of tests used for testing and monitoring the various kinds of Diabetes…
sugar toxic health
Sugar: 7 new shocking truths revealed about the sweet poison Can drinking soda bring you closer to death? Is sugar slowly poisoning you and your family? You would…
avocado benefits
Avocado: 15 reasons why this fruit should be a staple in your diet Did you know that the word avocado literally means "testicles". Don't get grossed out as this power-packed fruit…
Cayenne: The remarkable benefits of these red hot chili peppers These may make you rush for a glass of water, but cayenne pepper is actually a healthy additive…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
How seitan proved to be a blessing in disguise for vegans worldwide Can only meat-eaters enjoy delicious juicy steaks and burgers? With seitan, the best meat substitute available today,even vegans…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling creeping up on…
Urologist: When should you visit one and why? A urologist can treat not only genitourinary problems of both men and women but also can treat various…
glucose-tolerance
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – GTT Glucose tolerance test (or Oral GTT) is used to detect the onset of diabetes or prediabetes conditions. It…
ASTtest-liver
AST- Aspartate Aminotransferase Test AST test is a blood test that is used to measure the level of a particular liver enzyme…
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPIDANTIBODY(APL)_IgG
Antiphospholipid (APL) antibody-IgG The Antiphospholipid Antibody testing is a blood test used to determine an autoimmune disorder called Antiphospholipid syndrome linked…
Strep throat pain
Anti-Streptolysin-O Test The ASO or Anti-Streptolysin-O is a blood test designed to check for the presence of streptococcus bacterial infection…
vdrl test syphilis
VDRL Test The VDRL test is a blood test that is used to diagnose sexually transmitted or venereal diseases, primarily…
Period sanitary napkin-menstruaion-blood-colors
Period blood – what it says about your health Your period blood color and consistency indicate what is happening in your body. Is your blood bright red…
liver detox facts
7 liver detox facts and why ignoring these could kill you! Are you taking care of this organ that handles over 500 different vital functions in your body? Your…
stress depressed anxiety
Are you depressed or just stressed? Know when to see a doctor Why are some people more anxious than others? Is being depressed the same as feeling sad? Have you…
L-theanine attention
L-Theanine: Better sleep, higher focus, and many other benefits Did you know that L-theanine found in green tea can make you sleep better and be focused at…
High Fiber Diet – Fire up your fiber intake for these health benefits! Regular bowels, healthy detox, higher immunity, and guaranteed weight loss - a high fiber diet can bring all…
Agave nectar: The bitter truth about this sweetener revealed Agave nectar is considered to be sweeter than the normal table sugar and even contains higher amounts of…
gout diet purines
Gout Diet : Get relief from painful joints by eating these foods Are you a victim of this painful condition? Are medications providing only short relief? Find a list of…
DHEA wrinkles
DHEA: Now get unbelievable age defiance with this wonder hormone! DHEA is known popularly as the age-defying hormone. This supplement is widely used to slow down aging and…
Oil of Oregano: The one-stop essential oil you’ve been looking for Are you plagued by a weak immune system? High body inflammation accompanied by pain and infections? Why not…
Pescatarian Diet 101: What are the inherent health advantages of this diet? People opt to become a pescatarian in order to enrich their bodies with the essential health benefits that…
What is the right way to take a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test is undertaken to determine if you have conceived. A home pregnancy test is the most…
Inhale oxygen, exhale worries: The top breathing exercises and how to perform them Performing the breathing exercise is like becoming mindful of how you breathe.  Here is a list of breathing…
hemoglobin variant analysis
Hemoglobin Variant Analysis Hemoglobin variant analysis is a blood test that is used to detect the presence of hemoglobin variants which…
cystatin C
Cystatin C Test Cystatin C is a specific single-chain protein that is found in body fluids and is a biomarker for…
Hepatitis A virus infected liver
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Total Blood test to look for IgM antibodies to know if you are infected with Hepatitis A virus (HAV),…
piles fissure fistula
Allopathy vs homeopathy vs ayurveda treatment for piles, fissures, and fistula Read to know the best form of treatment among allopathy, homeopathy,or ayurveda for piles, fissures, and fistula
lose weight fast
12 easy and instant steps to successful weight loss Do you want to lose weight without losing your mind? Does weight loss always mean saying goodbye to…

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