Results for: Microcephaly

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In Pica Disorder

What is benign microcephaly of infancy?

Head circumference is a direct reflection of head growth When thegrowth is below norms it is classed as microcephaly. The result ofmicrocephaly is a degree of retardation in g… ( Full Answer )

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In Uncategorized

What is microcephaly?

What is Microcephaly? Microcephaly is a medical condition in which the circumference ofthe head is smaller than normal because the brain has not developedproperly or has stopp…ed growing. Microcephaly can be present at birth or it may develop in the firstfew years of life. It is most often caused by genetic abnormalitiesthat interfere with the growth of the cerebral cortex during theearly months of fetal development. It is associated with Down'ssyndrome, chromosomal syndromes, and neurometabolic syndromes. Babies may also be born with microcephaly if, during pregnancy,their mother abused drugs or alcohol, became infected with acytomegalovirus, rubella (German measles), or varicella (chickenpox) virus, was exposed to certain toxic chemicals, or haduntreated phenylketonuria (PKU). This can also be caused by themother having the Zika virus during pregnancy. Babies born with microcephaly will have a smaller than normal headthat will fail to grow as they progress through infancy. Dependingon the severity of the accompanying syndrome, children withmicrocephaly may have mental retardation, delayed motor functionsand speech, facial distortions, dwarfism or short stature,hyperactivity, seizures, difficulties with coordination andbalance, and other brain or neurological abnormalities. Some children with microcephaly will have normal intelligence and ahead that will grow bigger, but they will track below the normalgrowth curves for head circumference. Is there any treatment? There is no treatment for microcephaly thatcan return a child's head to a normal size or shape. Treatmentfocuses on ways to decrease the impact of the associateddeformities and neurological disabilities. Children with microcephaly and developmental delays are usuallyevaluated by a pediatric neurologist and followed by a medicalmanagement team. Early childhood intervention programs that involvephysical, speech, and occupational therapists help to maximizeabilities and minimize dysfunction. Medications are often used tocontrol seizures, hyperactivity, and neuromuscular symptoms.Genetic counseling may help families understand the risk formicrocephaly in subsequent pregnancies. What is the prognosis? Some children will only have milddisability. Others, especially if they are otherwise growing anddeveloping normally, will have normal intelligence and continue todevelop and meet regular age-appropriate milestones. What research is being done? The National Institute of NeurologicalDisorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research relating tomicrocephaly in its laboratories at the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH) and supports additional research through grants tomajor medical institutions across the country. A small group ofresearchers studying a rare neurometabolic syndrome (3-PGDH), whichcauses microcephaly, have successfully used amino acid replacementtherapy to reduce and prevent seizures. ( Full Answer )

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In Health

Is microcephaly heridetary?

I don't think so. I think it's a congenital (present at birth) defect caused by a mutation in the genes.

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In Conditions and Diseases

How are patients with microcephaly treated?

Speech therapists and audiologists can help with hearing and language development. Physical and occupational therapists provide aid in walking and adaptive equipment such as w… ( Full Answer )

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In Conditions and Diseases

How is a diagnosis of microcephaly made?

Diagnosis of craniosynostosis and microcephaly is made by a physician, typically during examination after birth. A physician may also be alerted to the presence of microcephal… ( Full Answer )

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In Health

How prevalent is microcephaly?

Microcephaly is a rare neurological condition and occurs worldwide. Little detailed information on the prevalence of the disorder is available. Microcephaly does not appear to… ( Full Answer )

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In Pollution

What are the non-genetic causes of microcephaly?

Other possible causes of microcephaly include infections during pregnancy (rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis), adverse effects of medication, and the excessive use of al… ( Full Answer )

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In WWE Smackdown vs. Raw

What does the damage of microcephaly come from?

The damage from microcephaly comes because of the cramped interior of the skull. This lack of space exerts pressure on the growing brain. This causes impairment and delayed de… ( Full Answer )

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In Biology

What genetic base can microcephaly have?

If the gene defect(s) are expressed during fetal development, the condition is present at birth. This is the congenital form of the disorder

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In Pregnancy Symptoms

When can signs of microcephaly first appear?

The condition can be present at birth or may develop during the first few years of life. In the latter situation, the growth of the head fails to keep to a normal pace. This p… ( Full Answer )