Microcephaly
Microcephaly
is a rare, neurological disorder in which the circumference of the head is
smaller than the average for the age and gender of the infant. Microcephaly
may be congenital or it may develop in the first few years of life.
This disorder may be caused by a wide variety
of conditions that effect the growth of brain. It is often associated with
chromosomal abnormality. Infants
with microcephaly may be born with a normal or reduced head size. The
head fails to grow while the face continues to develop at a normal rate,
producing a child with a small head, a large face, and a loose, often
wrinkled scalp. As the child grows the smallness of the head becomes
more obvious. Whole body is also underdeveloped. Motor functions and speech
are delayed. Motor ability may vary, and it may be clumsy movements or even quadriplegia
(paralysis of both upper and lower limbs). Hyperactivity
and mental retardation are common. Convulsions may also occur. The
is no specific treatment in such cases. Treatment
is symptomatic and supportive. Life expectancy is low and the
prognosis for normal brain function is poor. |
