Definition of Microcephaly:
Microcephaly describes a head size significantly below normal for a person's age and sex, based on standardized charts. Head size is measured as the distance around the top of the head.
Considerations:
Microcephaly most often occurs because of failure of the brain to grow at a normal rate. Skull growth is determined by brain expansion, which takes place during the normal growth of the brain during pregnancy and infancy.
Conditions that affect brain growth can cause microcephaly, including infections, genetic disorders, and severe malnutrition.
Common Causes:
Primary Causes:
Secondary Causes:
