Microcephaly is a neurodevelopmental disorder – that is, a problem with the way the brain or nervous system grows. Microcephaly is a type of cephalic disorder. Primary microcephaly occurs because of genetic or environmental factors that produce small brain size (micrencephaly). The child's brain stops growing as it should. 2 A variety of neuronal migrational disorders—lissencephaly, schizencephaly, agensesis of the corpus callosum, and polymicrogyria—can … On the other side a relation has been found between schizophrenia, deletions of chromosomes and microcephaly. The genetic form of primary microcephaly can be inherited by either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive mechanisms.2 A variety of neuronal migrational disorders—lissencephaly, schizencephaly, agensesis of the corpus callosum, and polymicrogyria—can be associated with microcephaly. Macrocephaly refers to head enlargement from any cause, including abnormalities of the scalp, cranial bones, and intracranial structures. Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR; Macrocephaly: An abnormally large head. If this combines with poor brain growth, babies with microcephaly can develop developmental disabilities. Microcephaly is a neurological disorder in which the circumference of the head is significantly smaller than average for the person's age and sex. In the amino acid metabolism defects and in diseases with sudden onset of metabolic crisis, microcephaly most commonly results from loss of neuronal tissue. Disorders such as anencephaly can also result in microcephaly (Figure 8-1). A genetic factor may play a role in causing some cases of microcephaly. Risk factors for macrocephaly. If this combines with poor brain growth, babies with microcephaly can develop developmental disabilities. Relations have been found between autism, duplications of chromosomes and macrocephaly on one side. While the inheritance for microcephaly has been linked to chromosomes 1, 9, and 19, linkages are likely to be found with genes mapping to a number of other chromosomes.3–5 Chromosomal disorders including Down syndrome and other trisomy disorders can produce microcephaly. Prenatal cerebral infarction, meningitis, encephalitis, trauma, hypoxia, and metabolic disorders can result in this neuronal injury. home/medterms medical dictionary a-z list / macrocephaly definition. They also often have intellectual disability and neurological issues like seizures, problems with muscle stiffness and control, or problems with balance. To determine whether your child has microcephaly, your doctor likely will take a thorough prenatal, birth and family history and do a physical exam. Microcephaly can be present at birth or it may develop in the first few years of life. Microcephaly is a neurological condition that occurs when an infant’s brain doesn’t develop properly, causing a baby’s head to be small. Head circumference at birth and the association with variables related to maternal health status, gestational age, growth pattern, brain imaging and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Generally, in this type of microcephaly, a greater number of nerve cells or a larger size can be observed. Macrocephaly may be pathologic, but many people with an unusually large head are healthy. Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than average for an infant’s size and age. Microcephaly is a condition that is present at birth in which the baby's head is much smaller than normal for an infant of that age and gender. A definite aetiological diagnosis is important in order to predict the prognosis and offer genetic counselling. Certain factors increase the risk of microcephaly. Microcephaly is a rare nervous system disorder that causes a baby's head to be small and not fully developed. Children with microcephaly have smaller than usual heads and brains. If your institution subscribes to this resource, and you don't have a MyAccess Profile, please contact your library's reference desk for information on how to gain access to this resource from off-campus. Head size is an easily measured clinical finding that can be followed over time. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Cf Macrocephaly. Children with microcephaly often have developmental issues. Macrocephaly and Hemimegalencephaly Definition. In other cases, a baby can develop microcephaly after birth. Author information: (1)Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Terms of Use. Microcephaly can be present at birth or it may develop in the first few years of life [6] . Microcephaly, Macrocephaly, Megalencephaly, Developmental delay, Malformation, Syndrome. Exposure to ionizing radiation during the first two trimesters can result in microcephaly.6,7 It does not appear that exposure to low levels of radiation associated with diagnostic imaging (x-ray, CT, MRI) pose any significant increased risk for the development of microcephaly. Complications include seizures and developmental delays regarding the format accuracy measured clinical finding that can be present at or... Full-Term newborns with congenital microcephaly and macrocephaly, Macrocephalic Infant microcephalic individual usually also a...: the condition of having an abnormally large head in infants above the mean for! People with an unusually large head are known to have mental retardation but not all having... Below or above the mean known to have mental retardation Policy • •... Brain growth, babies with microcephaly also have a risk of developing microcephaly are by. 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