When a mother or father looks at a newborn baby, the joy that comes to their hearts cannot be expressed in words, right? At the same time, we also carefully check to see if everything is okay with the baby. Sometimes, the baby's head may seem a little small compared to the rest of the body. It is normal to feel a little scared and worried when you see this. Doctors call this 'Microcephaly'. So, don't worry. Let's talk about this in a little more detail today, and in a relaxed way.
So, what is this 'microcephaly'?
Simply put, microcephaly is when your baby's head is smaller than expected for their age and body size. Do you know why this happens? It happens when a baby's brain takes too long to develop or when the brain doesn't develop completely. Did you know that the size of a baby's skull is determined by the size of their brain? This brain development occurs during the time the baby is in the womb and during early infancy after birth. So, if anything interferes with brain development during this time, the head can become small.
Are there main types of microcephaly?
Yes, there are two main types. Let's see what they are:
1. Primary or Congenital Microcephaly: This is when a baby's head is small at birth. This means that it may be due to a problem that occurred while the baby was still in the mother's womb.
2. Secondary or Acquired Microcephaly: In this case, even though the baby has a normal head at birth, the head growth is stunted as the baby grows older and the condition develops.
How common is this condition? Should I be worried?
Microcephaly is actually a very rare condition. Research suggests that even in a country like America, it affects between one in every 800 and 5,000 babies. So, it's not very common. However, it's normal to feel scared when you find out that your baby has something like this. The most important thing is not to panic and follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
What are the symptoms of 'Microcephaly'? How do we recognize it?
The main symptom is, as the name suggests, a baby's head is small. Because, as we've talked about before, the size of the head is determined by the size of the brain.
However, sometimes, in addition to this head compression, abnormalities in brain development can also affect the baby's brain function. Then, other symptoms may appear. The severity of these can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms are:
- Seizures: Sudden convulsions and loss of consciousness.
- Issues with cognitive development: The ability to understand and learn may decrease.
- Developmental delays: Things like starting to talk, stand, and walk may be later than other babies.
- Problems with body balance, movement, and coordination: such as not being able to maintain balance while walking or not being able to coordinate limbs properly.
- Difficulty feeding or swallowing: The baby may have difficulty sucking and swallowing food.
- Hearing or vision impairment: Some babies may have vision or hearing problems.
Remember, these symptoms can be very serious, sometimes even life-threatening. However, some babies may not have any symptoms other than a bruised head. Therefore, the way this affects each person is different.
How does microcephaly affect my child's physical development?
As your baby grows, his or her face continues to grow, but the skull doesn't get as big. This can make the baby's face look larger in relation to the size of his or her head. In addition, you may notice the following:
- A receding forehead.
- A loose, wrinkled scalp.
- Less than expected weight for their age.
Why does this 'microcephaly' occur? What are the causes?
The main cause of microcephaly is a decrease in brain development or changes in the way a child's brain develops. Let's look at some other specific causes:
- Genetic mutations or inherited genetic conditions: This can be associated with conditions such as Down syndrome, for example.
- Cerebral hypoxia or anoxia: This can happen either during pregnancy or during childbirth.
- Early fusion of the skull sutures (craniosynostosis): Normally, there are small gaps (sutures) between the bones of a baby's skull to allow the brain to grow. If these sutures close too quickly, there will be little room for the brain to grow.
- Viral infections: Some viral infections that the mother contracts during pregnancy, for example, rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, and Zika virus, can affect the baby.
- Brain injury or trauma.
What are the risk factors for microcephaly?
While a baby is developing in the womb, the risk of developing microcephaly may increase if the baby is exposed to the following:
- Mother's alcohol or drug use (Alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder).
- Mercury or lead poisoning.
- Complications of gestational diabetes.
- Malnutrition of the mother.
- Complications of metabolic diseases such as phenylketonuria.
- Certain infections that occur in the mother during pregnancy.
This is why a mother should take great care of her health during pregnancy.
What are the complications of microcephaly?
If the symptoms of microcephaly are severe, it can be life-threatening. It is difficult to say exactly how the abnormal development of a child's brain will affect him or her throughout his or her life. Therefore, lifelong medical care and monitoring may be necessary to prevent complications.
How do doctors diagnose this condition called 'microcephaly'?
Sometimes, the condition can be detected before the baby is born, while it is still in the mother's womb, through a prenatal ultrasound . This type of diagnosis usually occurs in the late second or third trimester of pregnancy.
However, most of the time, this condition is diagnosed within 24 hours of birth. A doctor or nurse will measure the circumference of the baby's head with a tape measure. Then, they will compare that measurement to the average head size of other babies of that age, weight, and height.
If your baby has the later-onset type of microcephaly, a doctor will likely diagnose it in infancy, when symptoms first appear. Even then, the doctor will measure the circumference of the baby's head. The doctor may also ask you how your baby is meeting developmental milestones (such as crawling, walking) that are appropriate for their age.
What is this head circumference percentile?
A percentile is a number on a scale from 1 to 100. It shows where a person is compared to others. This percentile helps doctors diagnose certain diseases. To be diagnosed with microcephaly, your baby's head circumference must be in the 3rd percentile or less. A head circumference in the 3rd percentile means that less than 3% of all babies have a head smaller than the average, and more than 97% have a head larger than the average. Simply put, out of 100 babies of that age, your baby's head is among the 3 smallest.
What tests are used to diagnose microcephaly?
If your child's doctor suspects microcephaly, they will measure the circumference of your child's head and may do some other tests to find out what's causing it. These may include:
- Imaging tests: Such as a head ultrasound or a brain MRI. These can look at the inside of the brain.
- Blood tests: These tests help determine if there are any changes in the child's genes or if there are any underlying medical conditions.
How is this condition called 'Microcephaly' treated? Can it be cured?
To be honest, there is currently no cure for microcephaly. But don't worry. There are treatments that can help manage the symptoms of the condition and help your child live the best life possible. These treatments are expected to:
- Treating other underlying health conditions, if any.
- Providing developmental services that help the child reach age-appropriate physical and learning milestones. These may include special education programs, play-based learning methods, and more.
- Treatments such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy can help you speak, perform daily tasks, and build strength.
- Special educational support programs at school.
- If there are seizures, administer the necessary medication.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
Before your child starts any new treatment, especially a new medication, talk to your doctor about the possible side effects. Your doctor will explain what you need to be aware of.
What should I expect if my child has microcephaly?
Although there is no permanent cure for microcephaly, we now know that there are treatments that can help a child live successfully with their symptoms. It is only as the child grows and develops that doctors can fully understand the impact of the condition. Therefore, doctors will monitor the child regularly throughout infancy and childhood to make sure that they do not develop any other complications.
The medical team that cares for your child will typically include pediatricians, neurologists, and various therapists. They will provide the treatment, education, and guidance needed to improve your child's health and well-being. You are not alone, and there are many people who can help you.
What is the life expectancy of a child with microcephaly?
This really depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases, if the child does not have major complications, they can live a normal life span. However, if the condition is very severe, especially if it has severely affected the child's brain function, the lifespan can be shortened.
Can Microcephaly be prevented?
Although we cannot control some of the causes, taking good care of yourself during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of your baby developing microcephaly. The following can help:
- Eating a well-balanced diet. Greens, vegetables, fruits, and nutritious foods are very important.
- Manage other health conditions you have (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure).
- Completely avoiding toxic chemicals or things like alcohol and drugs.
- Attending regular checkups throughout pregnancy and monitoring the development of the baby in the womb.
Talk to your doctor about what you can do to stay healthy during pregnancy. They will give you the best advice.
When should I take my child to see a doctor?
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor:
- If your child is not meeting developmental milestones appropriate for their age (e.g., not lifting their head on time, not smiling, not crawling).
- If he doesn't respond to his name or a simple command.
- If you find it difficult to eat or swallow food.
- If your eyes don't follow you or a moving object.
Most importantly: If your child has a seizure, take them to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately or call 1990.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
When you find out that your child has microcephaly, you may have many questions. Don't hesitate to ask the doctor things like:
- Does my child have severe microcephaly?
- How will this condition affect my child's development?
- Should I enroll my child in special education programs to help him learn?
- What are the side effects of the medications you prescribe?
- What are the signs of complications I should look out for?
Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby's head is smaller than expected. It's normal to feel worried when you learn something like this. But remember, your baby's medical team will monitor your baby's development and provide the services needed to help him. If you notice that your baby is late in reaching milestones for his age, such as walking or saying his first words, see a doctor right away. Early intervention can be a big help as your baby grows.
Take-Home Message from What We've Been Talking About
Okay, so, from what we've talked about here about 'Microcephaly', let's summarize some important points to keep in mind:
- Microcephaly is not something to be afraid of, but it is a condition to be concerned about: Yes, it is related to the development of the baby's brain. However, it does not affect all babies in the same way.
- There can be many reasons: genetic factors, infections the mother has during pregnancy, and nutritional deficiencies can all contribute.
- Early detection is important: This can be detected at birth or through prenatal scans. If this happens, the necessary steps can be taken quickly.
- There is no cure, but there is help: While there is no complete cure, there are many treatments, therapies, and support services that can help a child live a good life. Early intervention is best.
- The mother's health is very important: The risk of developing these conditions can be reduced by ensuring that the mother is in good health, eating a nutritious diet, and following medical advice during pregnancy.
- You are not alone: Doctors, therapists, and family are all there to help you and your baby. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
So, if you have any doubts about your baby, don't hold it in and worry, but see a doctor right away. That's the best thing you can do.
` Microcephaly, small head, infant brain development, developmental delays, genetic diseases, pregnancy health, child health
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