Microcephaly is a disease in which a child’s head and brain are smaller than normal for their age and this can be caused by malformations during pregnancy caused by the use of chemical substances or by infections caused by bacteria or viruses, such as Zika. viruses, for example.
This disease can alter a child’s mental development, because the bones of the head, which are separated at birth, come together very early, preventing the brain from growing and developing its capabilities normally.
Because of this, a child with microcephaly may need care for their entire life, but this is generally confirmed after the first year of life and will largely depend on how much the brain has managed to develop and which parts of the brain are most compromised.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of microcephaly are:
- Decrease in head size;
- Brain smaller than normal for the child’s age;
- Visual problems;
- Hearing loss;
- Mental retardation;
- Intellectual deficit;
- Paralysis;
- Seizures;
- Epilepsy;
- Autism.
This condition can also lead to the appearance of stiffness in the body’s muscles, known scientifically as spasticity, as these muscles are controlled by the brain and in the case of microcephaly this function is impaired.
Understand more about what microcephaly is and how to care for a baby with this problem by watching the following video:
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of microcephaly can be made during pregnancy, with prenatal exams, such as ultrasound, for example, and can be confirmed immediately after birth by measuring the size of the baby’s head, carried out by a nurse or doctor. Find out more about when you should have an ultrasound during pregnancy.
In addition, tests such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain also help to measure the severity of microcephaly and what its possible consequences will be for the baby’s development.
Consult your nearest pediatrician to have your child evaluated in more detail:
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Possible causes
The main possible causes of microcephaly are:
- Infection with the Zika virus or Chikungunya virus during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester;
- Infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis;
- Consumption of cigarettes, alcohol or drugs, such as cocaine and heroin during pregnancy;
- Rett syndrome;
- Mercury or copper poisoning;
- Meningitis;
- Malnutrition;
- Maternal HIV;
- Metabolic diseases in the mother, such as phenylketonuria;
- Exposure to radiation during pregnancy;
- Use of medications against epilepsy, hepatitis or cancer, in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Microcephaly can also be genetic and occurs in children who have other diseases such as West syndrome, Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome, for example. Therefore, a child with microcephaly who also has one of these syndromes may have other physical characteristics, disabilities and even more complications than children who only have microcephaly.
Types of microcephaly
Some studies divide microcephaly into some types, such as:
- Primary microcephaly: this type occurs when there are failures in the production of neurons, which are brain cells, during fetal development;
- Postnatal microcephaly: it is the type in which the child is born with the appropriate size of the skull and brain, but the development of these parts does not follow the child’s growth;
- Familial microcephaly: It happens when the child is born with a smaller skull, but does not present neurological changes, and this occurs because the child’s parents also have a smaller head.
There is also another type called relative microcephaly, in which children with neurological problems have skull growth problems, but this is a classification that is very little used by doctors.
Furthermore, some studies classify microcephaly as primary, when the baby’s skull bones close during pregnancy, up to 7 months, or secondary, when the bones close in the final phase of pregnancy or after the baby is born.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of microcephaly must be guided by a pediatrician and neurologist, however, the intervention of several other professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists is necessary, who will help the child to develop with as few limitations as possible in order to have a greater quality of life.
Treatment therefore varies according to each case, especially according to the limitations of each child. Still, the most commonly used forms of treatment include:
1. Speech therapy
To improve the ability to speak, the child must be monitored by a speech therapist at least 3 times a week.
In addition, parents should sing small songs with the child and talk to them looking into their eyes throughout the day, even if they do not respond to the stimulus. You should also use gestures to make it easier to understand what you are saying and better capture the child’s attention. Check out other games that can be done to stimulate speech.
2. Physiotherapy sessions
To improve motor development, increase balance and avoid muscle atrophy and muscle spasms, it is important to do as many physiotherapy sessions as possible, at least 3 times a week, performing simple exercises with a Pilates ball, stretching, psychomotricity sessions and hydrotherapy can be helpful.
Physiotherapy is recommended because it can have results in the child’s physical development, but also because it helps with mental development.
3. Occupational therapy
In the case of older children and with the aim of increasing autonomy, the doctor may also recommend participation in occupational therapy sessions, in which they can practice daily activities, such as brushing teeth or eating, using special devices. , for example.
To improve socialization capacity, the possibility of keeping the child in a normal school must also be evaluated so that they can interact with other children who do not have microcephaly, and can participate in games that promote social interaction. However, if there is a delay in mental development, the child will probably not learn to read or write, although they may go to school to have contact with other children.
At home, parents should stimulate the child as much as possible, playing games in front of the mirror, being on the child’s side and participating whenever possible in family and friend meetings to try to keep the child’s brain always active.
4. Use of medicines
A child with microcephaly may need to take medications recommended by the doctor according to the symptoms they present, such as anticonvulsants to reduce seizures or to treat hyperactivity, such as Diazepam or Ritalin, as well as analgesics, such as Paracetamol, to reduce pain in the muscles, due to excessive tension.
5. Botox Injections
Botox injections may be indicated in the treatment of some children with microcephaly, because they can help reduce muscle stiffness and improve the body’s natural reflexes, making physiotherapy sessions and daily care easier.
Botox injections are generally recommended when the child’s muscles are always intensely contracted, involuntarily, which makes simple things like bathing or changing a diaper difficult. The use of botox is considered safe and poses practically no health risks, as long as it is used in the appropriate dose and always under the advice of a doctor.
6. Head surgery
In some cases, surgery can be performed and a cut is made in the head to allow the brain to grow, reducing the consequences of the disease. However, in order to have results, this surgery must be carried out before the baby is 2 months old and is not recommended for all cases, only when there may be many benefits and few associated risks.
