Microcephaly is a neurological condition characterized by an abnormally small head size, typically diagnosed at birth (Lemire et al., 2018). It is caused by a disruption in brain development during pregnancy that can be due to a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, exposure to certain toxins, infections, or maternal health issues (Lemire et al., 2018). Microcephaly can lead to a variety of physical and developmental issues, including mental retardation, motor delays, vision and hearing problems, and seizures (Lemire et al., 2018).
The diagnosis of microcephaly is based on head circumference measurements (Lemire et al., 2018). A diagnosis is typically made when head circumference is more than two standard deviations below the mean for the age and gender of the child (Lemire et al., 2018). In addition to head circumference measurements, medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans can be used to detect any structural abnormalities in the brain (Lemire et al., 2018).
Currently, there is no known cure for microcephaly, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life (Lemire et al., 2018). Treatment plans may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, medications, and dietary changes (Lemire et al., 2018). Additionally, support services such as special education and early intervention programs can help children reach their full potential (Lemire et al., 2018).
Microcephaly continues to be a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries (Lemire et al., 2018). It is important for health care providers to be aware of the risk factors and diagnostic criteria for microcephaly in order to provide effective treatment plans for affected individuals (Lemire et al., 2018).
References
Lemire, E., Hinton, V. J., Cooper, W. O., & Muenke, M. (2018). Microcephaly: Causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Genetics in Medicine, 20(4), 383-392. https://doi.org/10.1038/gim.2017.207