MICROCEPHALY

“MICROCEPHALY”
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DISABILITY

Key facts
● Microcephaly is a condition where a baby is born with a small head or the
head stops growing after birth.
● Microcephaly is a rare condition. One baby in several thousand is born with
microcephaly.
● The most reliable way to assess whether a baby has microcephaly is to
measure head circumference 24 hours after birth, compare the value with
WHO growth standards, and continue to measure the rate of head growth in
early infancy.
● Babies born with microcephaly may develop convulsions and suffer physical
and learning disabilities as they grow older.
● There are no specific tests to determine if a baby will be born with
microcephaly, but ultrasound scans in the third trimester of pregnancy can
sometimes identify the problem.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Microcephaly is a condition where a baby has a head size much smaller
compared with other babies of the same age and sex. Head size is an important
measurement to monitor a child’s brain growth. The severity of microcephaly ranges
from mild to severe. Microcephaly can be present at birth (congenital) or may
develop postnatal (acquired).
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of microcephaly can sometimes be made by fetal ultrasound.
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. Often
diagnosis is made at birth or at a later stage.
Babies should have their head circumference measured in the first 24 hours
after birth and compared with WHO growth standards. The result will be interpreted
in relation to the gestational age of the baby, and also the baby’s weight and length.
Suspected cases should be reviewed by a pediatrician, have brain imaging scans,
and have their head circumference measured at monthly intervals in early infancy
and compared with growth standards. Doctors should also test for known causes of
microcephaly.
II. CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
Causes of microcephaly
There are many potential causes of microcephaly, but often the case remains
unknown. The most common causes include:
1. Infections during pregnancy: toxoplasmosis (caused by a parasite found in
undercooked meat), Campylobacter pylori, rubella, herpes, syphilis,
cytomegalovirus, HIV and Zika;
2. Exposure to toxic chemicals: maternal exposure to heavy metals like arsenic
and mercury, alcohol, radiation, and smoking; pre- and perinatal injuries to the
developing brain (hypoxia-ischemia, trauma);genetic abnormalities such as
Down syndrome; and severe malnutrition during fetal life.
Based on a systematic review of the literature up to 30 May 2016, WHO has
concluded that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain
abnormalities, including microcephaly; and that Zika virus is a trigger of Guillain-
Barré syndrome.
Common symptoms of microcephaly include:
1. Small Head Size: The primary symptom is an abnormally small head
circumference, which is measured as the distance around the top of the
skull.
2. Developmental Delays: Children with microcephaly may experience delays
in reaching developmental milestones such as sitting up, crawling,
walking, and speaking.
3. Intellectual Disabilities: Microcephaly can often lead to intellectual and
cognitive disabilities. The extent of these disabilities can vary widely.
4. Motor and Coordination Issues: Some individuals with microcephaly may
have difficulties with motor skills and coordination.
5. Seizures: Seizures are a potential complication associated with
microcephaly.
6. Facial Abnormalities: In some cases, facial features may appear
disproportionate due to the smaller head size.
III. MEDICAL INTERVENTION

Treatment and care
There is no specific treatment for microcephaly. A multidisciplinary team is
important to assess and care for babies and children with microcephaly. Early
intervention with stimulation and play programs may show positive impacts on
development. Family counselling and support for parents is also extremely important.
Medical Intervention:
There is no specific cure for microcephaly, but medical interventions are
aimed at managing symptoms and providing support to individuals with the condition.
Treatment may involve:
● Early Intervention Services: Early intervention programs can provide
therapies and support to infants and young children with microcephaly
to help them reach developmental milestones.
● Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve motor skills,
coordination, and muscle strength.
● Speech and Language Therapy: For those with speech delays, speech
therapy can help improve communication skills.
● Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy can aid in developing
● daily living skills and enhancing independence.

● Medications: Seizures, if present, may be managed with anticonvulsant
medications.
● Supportive Care: Individuals with microcephaly often require ongoing
medical monitoring and management of associated health issues.
IV. EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION
Educational interventions are crucial for individuals with microcephaly to help
them reach their full potential. These interventions may include:
1. Individualized Education Plan (IEP): Children with microcephaly may
qualify for an IEP, which outlines personalized educational goals and
accommodations based on their specific needs.
2. Special Education Services: Special education programs and classrooms
are designed to meet the learning needs of children with various
developmental disabilities, including microcephaly.
3. Inclusive Classrooms: Inclusion in mainstream classrooms with
appropriate support can help children with microcephaly interact with
peers and learn in a diverse environment.
4. Assistive Technologies: Depending on the severity of cognitive and
physical challenges, assistive technologies such as communication
devices or adaptive learning tools may be beneficial.
5. Supportive Staff: Teachers, aides, and other school staff may require
training to effectively support students with microcephaly.
In all cases, the specific interventions and strategies will vary based on the
individual's needs, abilities, and the resources available in their community. It's
important for individuals with microcephaly to receive comprehensive and
multidisciplinary care to optimize their quality of life and potential for development.
V. REFERENCES
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/microcephaly
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/microcephaly/symptoms-causes/syc-
20375051

MICROCEPHALY

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“MICROCEPHALY”

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DISABILITY

II. CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

III. MEDICAL INTERVENTION

● daily living skills and enhancing independence.

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