Content
Microcephaly is a disease in which the head and brain of children are smaller than normal for their age and this can be caused by malformation during pregnancy caused by the use of chemicals or by infections by bacteria or viruses, such as Zika viruses, for example.
This disease can alter the child's mental development, because the bones of the head, which at birth are separated, unite very early, preventing the brain from growing and developing its capabilities normally. Because of this, a child with microcephaly may need lifelong care, but this is usually confirmed after the first year of life and will depend a lot on how much the brain has managed to develop and which parts of the brain are most compromised.
Main symptoms
The main characteristic of microcephaly is the head and brain smaller than normal for the child's age, which does not generate symptoms, however it can compromise the child's development, and there may be:
- Visual problems;
- Hearing loss;
- Mental retardation;
- Intellectual deficit;
- Paralysis;
- Convulsions;
- Epilepsy;
- Autism.
This condition can also lead to the emergence 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 microcephaly and how to care for a baby with this problem by watching the following video:
Possible causes
One of the main causes related to microcephaly is infection by the Zika and Chikungunya viruses during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, this situation can also happen due to:
- Infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis;
- Consumption of cigarettes, alcohol or drugs, such as cocaine and heroin during pregnancy;
- Rett syndrome;
- Poisoning by mercury or copper;
- 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, the child with microcephaly who also has any of these syndromes may have other physical characteristics, disabilities and even more complications than children who have only microcephaly.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of microcephaly can be made during pregnancy, with prenatal examinations, such as ultrasound, for example, and can be confirmed right after delivery by measuring the size of the baby's head, made by a nurse or doctor. Find out when to perform an ultrasound during pregnancy.
In addition, tests such as computed tomography or brain magnetic resonance imaging also help to measure the severity of microcephaly and what are its possible consequences for the baby's development.
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 skull and brain size, but the development of these parts does not follow the child's growth;
- Familial microcephaly: happens when the child is born with a smaller skull, but does not have neurological changes, and this is because the child's parents also have a smaller head.
There is yet another type called relative microcephaly, in which children with neurological problems have problems with the growth of the skull, but it is a very little classification 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 stage of pregnancy or after the baby is born.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of microcephaly must be guided by a pediatrician and neurologist, however the intervention of several other professionals is necessary, such as nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who will help the child to develop with the least possible limitations in order to have a greater quality of life.
The treatment, then, varies according to each case, especially according to the limitations of each child. Still, the most used forms of treatment include:
1. Speech therapy
To improve the ability to speak, the child must be accompanied by a speech therapist at least 3 times a week.
In addition, parents should sing small songs to the child and talk to them looking into the eyes throughout the day, even if they do not respond to the stimulus. Gestures should also be used to facilitate understanding of what you are saying and to better capture the child's attention. Check out other games that can be played 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 physical therapy sessions as possible, at least 3 times a week, performing simple Pilates ball exercises, stretching, psychomotricity sessions and hydrotherapy can be useful.
Physiotherapy is indicated because it can have results in the child's physical development, but also because it helps in mental development.
3. Occupational therapy
In the case of older children and with the aim of increasing autonomy, participation in occupational therapy sessions may also be indicated by the doctor, in which one can train daily activities, such as brushing teeth or eating, using special devices. , for example.
To improve the ability to socialize, one should also evaluate the possibility of keeping the child in a normal school so that he can interact with other children who do not have microcephaly, being able to participate in games and 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 he may go to school to have contact with other children.
At home, parents should encourage the child as much as possible, playing in front of the mirror, being on the child's side and participating in family and friends meetings whenever possible to try to keep the child's brain always active.
4. Use of medicines
The child with microcephaly may need to take medications prescribed by the doctor according to the symptoms they present, such as anticonvulsant to reduce seizures or to treat hyperactivity, such as Diazepam or Ritalin, as well as pain relievers, such as Paracetamol, to decrease muscle pain due to excessive tension.
5. Botox injections
Botox injections can be indicated for the treatment of some children with microcephaly, because they can help to decrease the stiffness of the muscles and improve the body's natural reflexes, facilitating physiotherapy sessions and daily care.
Usually Botox injections are indicated when the child is always with the muscles intensely contracted, involuntarily, which makes simple things like bathing or changing the diaper difficult. The use of botox is considered safe and has virtually no health risks, as long as it is used in the appropriate dose and always under the doctor's recommendation.
6. Head surgery
In some cases, surgery can be performed by cutting the head to allow the brain to grow, reducing the sequelae of the disease. However, this surgery to have a result must be done until the baby is 2 months old and is not indicated for all cases, only when there may be many benefits and few associated risks.