What is Microcephaly?
Microcephaly is a unique neurological condition affecting the infants. Babies who suffer from this disorder have prominently smaller heads than those of other children who are of same age and sex. The condition than can sometimes be diagnosed at the time of birth occurs as a result of the abnormal development of brain inside the womb or improper growth.
Many genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of microcephaly. Children who suffer from this disorder usually experience developmental problems. Usually there is no treatment available for the condition however, early detection can help the child in developing properly and can improve the quality of life.
What are the Symptoms of Microcephaly?
The early signs of microcephaly include:
- An abnormally smaller head than other children of the same age and sex.
Size of the head is measured as the distance around the top of the child’s head. With the use of standard growth charts, the measurements taken are then compared with the measurements of other children in percentiles.
If an infant suffers from severe microcephaly they may also have a backward sloping forehead.
When to Seek Medical Help
There remains a very high chance that the microcephaly can be detected at the time of the baby’s birth or during regular a checkup. But, if you feel that your child’s head is smaller than normal or there are problems with its growth, then you must seek medical help.
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Read more on Microcephaly Signs and Symptoms.