Microcephaly Definition, Causes and More
Article Sources
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Microcephaly is a condition in which a child's head is much smaller than the heads of other children of the same sex and age. Micro means small, and cephaly is related to the Greek word for head. Children with microcephaly also usually have smaller brains or brains that have developed abnormally. Microcephaly is often congenital, but it can develop after birth.
A relatively rare condition, microcephaly occurs in approximately 25,000 U.S. births annually. Genetic issues often cause microcephaly, but environmental issues are sometimes implicated. Children with microcephaly may have a range of associated issues.1‘Microcephaly.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 June 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/microcephaly/symptoms-causes/syc-20375051.,2‘Microcephaly: Boston Children’s Hospital. Boston Childrens Hospital, www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/m/microcephaly.
