Microcephaly
A condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected, often due to abnormal brain development.
- Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging often required
Causes of microcephaly include infections, malnutrition, or exposure to toxins.
Rare: Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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Microcephaly usually is the result of a problem with brain development, which can occur in the womb (congenital) or during infancy. Microcephaly may be genetic.
In microcephaly, the brain develops abnormally, causing the head to be much smaller than expected for the child's age. Learn more from Boston Children's.
Jan 18, 2022 · Microcephaly is a rare nervous system disorder that causes a baby's head to be small and not fully developed.