MICROCEP

HALY
Pediatric Neurological Disorders
 What is Microcephaly?

•Microcephaly refers to a head size that is 2 standard deviations below the mean based on age and

gender.

•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 postnatally (acquired).

 Types of Microcephaly

Primary and Secondary

• Primary microcephaly occurs when the brain does not grow to the normal size in

utero. Irradiation of the abdomen in pregnant women or maternal infection with 

cytomegalovirus, rubella (German measles), toxoplasmosis, varicella (chickenpox),

or Zika virus during the first three months of pregnancy may sometimes result in

primary microcephaly in the infant. Evidence suggests that maternal 

alcohol consumption during pregnancy and poor nutrition may also contribute to

primary microcephaly. Genetic factors also play a role. For example, autosomal

recessive primary microcephaly is caused by mutations of any of at least seven

different genes.
 Types of Microcephaly

Primary and Secondary

• Secondary microcephaly occurs when the brain, roughly normal in size at birth,

does not grow thereafter. Brain infection, traumatic brain injury, and oxygen

deprivation in the brain are causes of postnatal onset. Secondary microcephaly

also can occur in association with certain metabolic disorders or genetic

syndromes, such as Rett syndrome.

 Types of Microcephaly

Primary and Secondary

• Secondary microcephaly occurs when the brain, roughly normal in size at birth,

does not grow thereafter. Brain infection, traumatic brain injury, and oxygen

deprivation in the brain are causes of postnatal onset. Secondary microcephaly

also can occur in association with certain metabolic disorders or genetic

syndromes, such as Rett syndrome.

 Causes of Microcephaly:
There are many potential causes of microcephaly, but often
the cause remains unknown. The most common causes
include:

•Infections during pregnancy: toxoplasmosis (caused by a

parasite found in undercooked meat), Campylobacter pylori,
rubella, herpes, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, HIV and Zika;

•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; 
Signs & Symptoms
Depending on the severity of the accompanying syndrome, children with

microcephaly may have

• impaired cognitive development,

• delayed motor functions and speech,

• facial distortions,

• dwarfism or short stature,

• hyperactivity,

• very small head

• high-pitched cry
• seizures,

• difficulties with coordination and balance, and

• other brain or neurological abnormalities.

• trouble feeding

• shaky movement of the arms and legs (spasticity)

• developmental delays

Some children with microcephaly will have normal intelligence and a head that

will grow bigger, but they will track below the normal growth curves for

head circumference.
Which children are at risk for microcephaly?

A child is more at risk if he or she has a parent or sibling with microcephaly, or

who carries a faulty gene.

A child is also more at risk if the mother has problems in pregnancy, such as:

• Exposure to toxic chemicals

• Methylmercury poisoning
• Not enough vitamins and nutrients
• Infection with cytomegalovirus, rubella, varicella virus, Zika virus, or
toxoplasma
• Prescription medicine use
• Illegal drug use
• Drinking alcohol
• Untreated phenylketonuria
• Stroke
How is microcephaly diagnosed in a child?

Microcephaly may be diagnosed before birth by prenatal ultrasound. In many

cases, microcephaly may not be seen with ultrasound until the third

trimester.

• Head circumference measurement. The measurement is compared with

a scale for normal growth and size.

• CT scan. This test uses a series of X-rays and a computer to create images

of the inside of the body. A CT scan shows more detail than a regular X-

ray.
• MRI. This test uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make

images of the inside of the body.

• Blood tests. These include genetic tests. Genetic tests check for

conditions that tend to run in families.

• Urine test. This is done to look for a substance that may show a certain

type of microcephaly.
How is microcephaly treated in a child?

There is no treatment for microcephaly that will return the baby's head to

normal size or shape. Microcephaly is a lifelong condition that has no cure.

Treatment focuses on preventing or reducing problems and maximizing a

child's abilities.

The healthcare team will give support and teach you how best to manage your

child’s health. Over time, your child may see healthcare providers such as:

• Pediatrician or family doctor. This is a child’s primary healthcare

provider.
• Neurologist. This is a healthcare provider who treats conditions of the

brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

• Rehabilitation team. This includes physical, occupational, speech, and

audiology therapists.
Thankyou! 