What is the criteria for microcephaly?

Microcephaly is defined as a head circumference measurement that is smaller than a certain value for babies of the same age and sex. This measurement value for microcephaly is usually more than 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the average. The measurement value also may be designated as less than the 3rd percentile.

Do babies with microcephaly smile?

Marques said that head control, the ability to lift and support the head without help, in babies with microcephaly was “quite rare.” Having a social smile and eye contact is less rare, he said, depending on the type of visual damage and on whether they receive enough visual stimulation to strengthen their ability to …

Are people with microcephaly less intelligent?

Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and intellectual disability. Some children with small heads have normal intelligence. Microcephaly may be caused by problems during a woman’s pregnancy. In some cases, it may be caused by inheriting an abnormal gene.

Can someone with microcephaly have normal intelligence?

Some children with microcephaly are of normal intelligence and development, even though their heads will always be small for their age and sex. But depending on the cause and severity of the microcephaly, complications may include: Developmental delays, such as in speech and movement.

How do you test for microcephaly?

Microcephaly may be diagnosed before birth by prenatal ultrasound. This imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to make images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds let healthcare providers see the internal organs as they function. They also show blood flow through blood vessels.

When can you detect microcephaly?

Microcephaly may be diagnosed during pregnancy with ultrasound. Microcephaly is most easily diagnosed by ultrasound late in the second trimester or early in the third trimester of pregnancy.

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. Treatment focuses on preventing or reducing problems and maximizing a child’s abilities.

What is secondary microcephaly?

Secondary microcephaly occurs when the brain, roughly normal in size at birth, does not grow thereafter. Brain infection, traumatic brain injury, and oxygen deprivation in the brain are causes of postnatal onset.

What causes small jaw?

It mainly occurs in children who are born with certain genetic conditions, such as trisomy 13 and progeria. It can also be the result of fetal alcohol syndrome. In some cases, this problem goes away as the child’s jaw grows with age. In severe cases, micrognathia can cause feeding or breathing problems.

What is 10th percentile head circumference?

Due to the way percentiles are calculated, by definition approximately 10% of a population should be <10th percentile (small head circumference), approximately 80% between the 10th and 90th percentiles (normal head circumference), and approximately 10% >90th percentile (large head circumference).

Does microcephaly show up on genetic testing?

magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan If a genetic cause of microcephaly is suspected, your clinician may also suggest genetic testing.

What is SD in microcephaly?

Microcephaly refers to an abnormally small head defined as a head circumference (HC) of 3 standard deviations (SD) or more below the mean for the gestational age [1-4]. Microcephaly can be present at birth or it may develop in the first few years of life [6] .

What to do if you find out you have microcephaly?

CDC continues to study birth defects, such as microcephaly, and how to prevent them. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor about ways to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

How is microcephaly different from other birth defects?

Microcephaly can be an isolated condition, meaning that it can occur with no other major birth defects, or it can occur in combination with other major birth defects. What is severe microcephaly? Severe microcephaly is a more serious, extreme form of this condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected.

How is the head circumference measured for microcephaly?

Microcephaly is defined as a head circumference measurement that is smaller than a certain value for babies of the same age and sex. This measurement value for microcephaly is usually less than 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the average.

How does early intervention help babies with microcephaly?

Developmental services early in life will often help babies with microcephaly to improve and maximize their physical and intellectual abilities. These services, known as early intervention , can include speech, occupational, and physical therapies. Sometimes medications also are needed to treat seizures or other symptoms.