In this Article

• What is microcephaly?
• What causes microcephaly?
• What are the signs and symptoms of microcephaly?
• Is there any treatment for microcephaly?
• What is the prognosis for microcephaly?
• What research is being done on microcephaly?
• For more information
• Microcephaly Glossary
• Microcephaly Index

What are the signs and symptoms of microcephaly?

Depending on the severity of the accompanying syndrome, children with microcephaly may have:

• mental retardation,
• delayed motor functions and speech,
• facial distortions,
• dwarfism or short stature,
• hyperactivity,
• seizures,
• difficulties with coordination and balance, and
• other brain or neurological abnormalities.

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.

Is there any treatment for microcephaly?

There is no treatment for microcephaly that can return a child's head to a normal size or shape. Treatment focuses on ways to decrease the impact of the associated deformities and neurological disabilities. Children with microcephaly and developmental delays are usually evaluated by a pediatric neurologist and followed by a medical management team. Early childhood intervention programs that involve physical, speech, and occupational therapists help to maximize abilities and minimize dysfunction. Medications are often used to control seizures, hyperactivity, and neuromuscular symptoms. Genetic counseling may help families understand the risk for microcephaly in subsequent pregnancies.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Learn alcohol abuse and alcoholism causes, symptoms, treatment and medication facts. What are warning signs of a drinking problem? Is this a hereditary disease?
• Seizure (Epilepsy) - Learn about epilepsy, or seizure disorder. Causes include head injury, trauma, prenatal injury, poisoning, medications, stroke, heart attacks, alcoholism, infection, and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included in the information.
• Down Syndrome - Learn about Down syndrome, the most common cause of mental retardation. Diagnostic tests for Down syndrome include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and percutaneous umbilical cord sampling.

Read more Microcephaly related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.