Microcephalus (Microcephaly)

Description:

Microcephalus (microcephaly) is a very rare condition in which the brain does not grow at the expected rate and physically results in the circumference of a child's head being smaller than normal. A child with Microcephalus may not have any symptoms other than the size of their head. A child with Microcephalus may have a normal ability to think and comprehend. Each child is different and the disorder is able to affect children in different ways

There are two types of Microcephalus; primary and secondary. Both types of Microcephalus result in a child having a small head, but other symptoms are not the same.

Primary Microcephalus (present at birth) often does not have any associated symptoms.

Secondary Microcephalus (develops later) could have a variety of symptoms depending on the conditions causing the disorder. Some of these symptoms may include:

A limited ability to think, comprehend or being understood
Problems with vision and hearing
Problems with speech
Seizures
Short stature (not tall)
Hyperactivity

Cause:

Primary Microcephalus is Microcephalus that is genetically inherited. Secondary Microcephalus is present when there are other conditions leading to the decreased head size. Some of these conditions are; Down syndrome, bacterial meningitis, lack of oxygen after birth and prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol.

Treatment:

There is currently no treatment for Microcephalus other than being carefully monitored by professionals who will assess the physical development of the child, as well as other professionals to assess the cognitive, speech/language and overall development of the child.

Prevention:

Secondary Microcephalus can be avoided with proper vaccinations and pregnant women avoiding drugs and alcohol.


	About Kupenda Children Ways to Contribute Photo Gallery News & Events Disabilities Schools Children in need of sponsorship Success Stories Autism Blindness or Vision Loss Cerebral Palsy Clubfoot Deafness or Hearing Loss Down syndrome Epilepsy Hip Dysplasia Hydrocephalus Microcephalus (Microcephaly) Spina Bifida Rare Disabilities Microcephalus (Microcephaly) Description: Microcephalus (microcephaly) is a very rare condition in which the brain does not grow at the expected rate and physically results in the circumference of a child's head being smaller than normal. A child with Microcephalus may not have any symptoms other than the size of their head. A child with Microcephalus may have a normal ability to think and comprehend. Each child is different and the disorder is able to affect children in different ways There are two types of Microcephalus; primary and secondary. Both types of Microcephalus result in a child having a small head, but other symptoms are not the same. Primary Microcephalus (present at birth) often does not have any associated symptoms. Secondary Microcephalus (develops later) could have a variety of symptoms depending on the conditions causing the disorder. Some of these symptoms may include: A limited ability to think, comprehend or being understood Problems with vision and hearing Problems with speech Seizures Short stature (not tall) Hyperactivity Cause: Primary Microcephalus is Microcephalus that is genetically inherited. Secondary Microcephalus is present when there are other conditions leading to the decreased head size. Some of these conditions are; Down syndrome, bacterial meningitis, lack of oxygen after birth and prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol. Treatment: There is currently no treatment for Microcephalus other than being carefully monitored by professionals who will assess the physical development of the child, as well as other professionals to assess the cognitive, speech/language and overall development of the child. Prevention: Secondary Microcephalus can be avoided with proper vaccinations and pregnant women avoiding drugs and alcohol.