Can babies with microcephaly be normal?
Microcephaly in children is a rare and genetic condition. Some children with microcephaly are both with normal intelligence and have normal developmental milestones, but their heads will always be smaller than normal children for their age and sex. Even in such cases, a regular follow-up with the doctor is advised.
Can babies outgrow microcephaly?
Microcephaly is a lifelong condition that has no cure. Treatment focuses on preventing or reducing problems and maximizing a child’s abilities. Children born with microcephaly need to see their healthcare team often. They will need tests to track the growth of the head.
What is the life expectancy of a baby with microcephaly?
There is no standard life expectancy for microcephalic babies because outcomes depend on so many factors, and the severity of the condition can range from mild to severe. Babies with mild microcephaly may still meet the same milestones like speaking, sitting and walking as a child without the disorder.
When are babies diagnosed with microcephaly?
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.
What happens if baby’s head doesn’t grow?
It’s important because it can indicate how well their brain is growing. If your baby’s brain isn’t growing properly, they may have a condition known as microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition in which your baby’s head is smaller than those of other children of the same age and sex.
Is microcephaly related to autism?
Microcephaly was significantly associated with the presence of medical disorders. Results support those from recent studies suggesting a raised rate of macrocephaly in autism which, pooling published data, can be estimated to be 20%.
Why is my baby’s head so small?
During pregnancy, a baby’s head grows because the baby’s brain grows. Microcephaly can occur because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, which results in a smaller head size.
Can microcephaly correct itself?
There is no treatment for microcephaly that will return the baby’s head to a normal size or shape. Microcephaly is a lifelong condition that has no cure.
What is the main cause of microcephaly?
Microcephaly may be caused by problems with brain development or being exposed to alcohol and certain drugs, chemicals and infections in the womb. Zika virus infection during pregnancy causes microcephaly. If you’re pregnant and think you may have Zika, call your health care provider.
Should I be concerned if my baby’s head is small?
Chances are your doctor will detect microcephaly at the baby’s birth or at a regular well-baby checkup. However, if you think your baby’s head is smaller than normal or isn’t growing as it should, talk to your doctor.
Can microcephaly be cured?
Microcephaly is a lifelong condition. There is no known cure or standard treatment for microcephaly. Because microcephaly can range from mild to severe, treatment options can range as well. Babies with mild microcephaly often don’t experience any other problems besides small head size.
Can you see autism on a brain scan?
It found that a brain scan and computer algorithm using five different measurements of brain shape and structure was up to 85% accurate in identifying the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults. These measurements could be used as a “biomarker” for autistic spectrum disorders, the researchers say.
What is the life expectancy of microcephaly?
Yet some experts will say that the life expectancy with a person diagnosed with microcephaly will usually last for 20 to 35 years old, if they are lucky enough. With the right support mechanisms from family members, loved ones, and physicians, the life expectancy will be high and vice versa.
Why do babies have small heads?
Baby With an Unusually Small Head. If a baby has a smaller than normal head size, it may be related to their parent’s head size, preterm birth or it may be an indication of a lack of normal brain development. Your baby may have microcephaly, which is a condition where the newborn’s head is considerably smaller than an average newborn.
How is microcephaly diagnosed?
Head circumference measurement. The measurement is compared with a scale for normal growth and size.
What is microcephaly in infants?
H ospital Central de Maputo,Maputo,Mozambique. 3 authors