Microcephaly In Babies: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Genetics, infections, and other external factors may cause microcephaly in babies.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Neema Shrestha, MD Dr. Neema Shrestha Dr. Neema ShresthaMD facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon Specialty: Neonatology and PediatricsExperience: 5 years
Written by Dr Bisny T. Joseph
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Microcephaly In Babies: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

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Microcephaly in babies is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a significantly smaller head size compared to other infants of the same age and gender. Most cases of microcephaly occur due to abnormal brain development during fetal life or cessation of the growth of the brain during infancy.

The smaller head size may also indicate a smaller and underdeveloped brain that may not function as expected. It may co-occur with other congenital disabilities or as an isolated condition.

Read this post to learn more about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of microcephaly in infants.

Signs And Symptoms Of Microcephaly

Significantly smaller head size for the age is the primary sign of microcephaly in infants. Other signs and symptoms associated with microcephaly may include the following (1).

  • Backward-sloping forehead
  • Facial deformations
  • Hyperactivity
  • Speech delay
  • Coordination and movement problems
  • Seizures
  • Poor feeding
  • Abnormal muscle tones, such as hypertonia or hypotonia
  • Growth and development issues
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Vision and hearing impairment
  • Joint deformations in microcephaly cases associated with Zika virus infection

A head size below the third percentile on a growth chart is diagnosed as microcephaly in infants, irrespective of the presence of other signs and symptoms.

You may seek pediatric consultation if you feel that your baby has a smaller head circumference or their head size is not growing during infancy.

Causes Of Microcephaly

Microcephaly can be congenital (present at birth) or develop during infancy. The following are the various genetic and environmental factors that may lead to microcephaly (2).

  • Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, or certain metabolic disorders that affect the brain may cause microcephaly in infants.
  • Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of the sutures between skull bones. This may result in microcephaly and abnormal brain development.
  • Prenatal infections, such as chickenpox (varicella), cytomegalovirus infection, toxoplasmosis, Zika virus infection, and rubella (German measles), may increase the risk of congenital microcephaly.
  • Cerebral anoxia or decreased oxygen levels during fetal life may also negatively affect brain development. This can be due to pregnancy complications, such as placental insufficiency.
  • Severe malnutrition during fetal life and infancy may affect brain development and increase the risk of microcephaly.
  • Traumatic brain injuries during early infancy may cause microcephaly in some babies.
  • Exposure to toxic substances, alcohol, smoke, and drugs may increase the risk of microcephaly and other brain anomalies.
  • Unmanaged maternal phenylketonuria could be associated with microcephaly in babies.

Most babies tend to develop microcephaly due to prenatal or genetic reasons rather than factors or events during infancy.

Complications Of Microcephaly

Complications may depend on the severity and underlying causes of microcephaly. The following complications are commonly associated with microcephaly (3).

  • Speech and movement delays and difficulties
  • Facial deformations
  • Some conditions with dwarfism may be associated with microcephaly
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Seizures

Some babies may have normal brain development and intelligence despite a head size smaller than the average head size for a baby of their age and gender.

Prevention Of Microcephaly

It may not be possible to prevent all microcephaly cases, such as microcephaly due to genetic factors. The following precautions may help prevent the risk of microcephaly in some babies.

  • Good prenatal care may help reduce the risk of prenatal infections and other pregnancy complications.
  • Cessation of drugs, alcohol, or smoking before planning a pregnancy may help avoid the risk of microcephaly in some babies.
  • Maternal vaccinations and control of maternal diseases before and during pregnancy may also prevent certain risk factors.
  • Avoiding mosquito bites during pregnancy may prevent congenital microcephaly and other neurological complications due to Zika virus infection.
  • Genetic counseling and testing for parents with a child having microcephaly may help plan the second child.
  • Early identification and treatment of issues in infants, such as malnutrition or craniosynostosis, may help avoid microcephaly.

Diagnosis Of Microcephaly

Congenital microcephaly can be identified during the late second-trimester ultrasound (2). Most cases are identified at the time of birth or during regular checkups. The baby’s head circumference is usually measured during each pediatric visit in the first year of life.

The head circumference is compared to other babies of the same age and gender on a standardized growth chart in percentiles. Babies with microcephaly fall below the third percentile on the growth chart.

If microcephaly is diagnosed, doctors may ask about family and prenatal health history to identify the possible causes.

Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, MRI scans, or CT scans, are often ordered to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment For Microcephaly In Infants

There is no specific treatment to increase the head size or reverse the complications of most microcephaly cases. Surgical correction of craniosynostosis may help the brain grow and develop correctly. Surgeries are helpful if done in early infancy before the brain development is complete.

Pediatric neurologists may focus on the management of existing complications of microcephaly. The management techniques may include (4):

Babies with mild deviations in head size may not have any long-term effects and may not require specific management. Severe microcephaly needs interventions to manage the associated problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the life expectancy for microcephaly?

The life expectancy of microcephalic babies is generally reduced and varies with various factors, including the severity of the condition, treatment, facilities provided, and the prognosis of the condition (5).

2. Is microcephaly related to autism?

Yes. Various studies showed the diagnosis of autism to be higher in microcephalic babies and preschoolers than in the general population (6).

Microcephaly in babies is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may not be completely curable or preventable. However, awareness about the condition and its non-genetic causes is important. With proper maternal care and precautions such as avoiding exposure to toxic substances and taking maternal vaccinations on time, mothers may be able to reduce the risk of their babies developing the disorder. Although microcephaly in babies is a permanent condition, early diagnosis and adequate treatment can help avoid related complications and provide better functioning and quality of life for the baby.

Key Pointers

  • Microcephaly is a rare condition where babies are born with a small head due to prenatal or genetic reasons.
  • An infant with microcephaly could develop short stature and have sensory and neurological developmental delays.
  • Congenital microcephaly could be detected in an ultrasound scan of the second trimester during pregnancy or early infancy.
  • Altogether, the condition is managed with the help of surgical interventions and therapies such as occupational and speech therapy.

References

1. Microcephaly; Golisano Children’s Hospital
2. Facts about Microcephaly; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3. Microcephaly; St. Clair Hospital
4. Microcephaly; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
5. Microcephaly; Cleveland Clinic
6. MatsCederlund; Microcephaly in preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Dr. Neema Shrestha
Dr. Neema ShresthaMD
Dr. Neema Shrestha is a pediatrician with a special interest in the field of neonatology. She has an overall experience of five years working in the field. Currently working in Kathmandu, Nepal, she completed her MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal in 2008, Diploma in Child Health from D.

Read full bio of Dr. Neema Shrestha
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