Microcephaly is a condition when a baby is born with a head that is much smaller than normal for an baby of that age and gender. "Micro" means small and "cephaly" refers to the head. Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and cognitive disabilities. However, some children with microcephaly have normal intelligence.
Condition
Microcephaly
Diagnosing and treating microcephaly at the Neurosciences Center
The Neurosciences Center at Children’s Wisconsin is here to provide expert care for your child with microcephaly. We are here to answer all your questions and support your family along the way. Each child's treatment plan is highly customized to ensure your child always receives the very best care.
What Is Microcephaly?
Microcephaly Treatments We Offer
There is no treatment for microcephaly that will return the baby's head to a normal size or shape. Microcephaly is a life-long condition that is not correctable. Management of the condition includes preventing or minimizing deformities and maximizing the child's capabilities at home and in the community. Positive reinforcement will encourage the child to strengthen their self-esteem and promote as much independence as possible.
Children born with microcephaly require frequent examinations and diagnostic testing by their physician to monitor the development of the head as they grow. Your child’s medical team at Children’s Wisconsin works hard with you to provide education and guidance to improve the health and well- being of your child.
Genetic counseling may be recommended by your physician to provide information on the recurrence risks for the disorder and any available testing.
Why Choose the Neurosciences Center for Microcephaly
Best in the state. The Neurosciences Center at Children’s Wisconsin is the largest and most comprehensive program in the state. We pride ourselves on providing excellent and innovative clinical care for your child. We also work to advance the development of pediatric neurological, neuropsychological, neurosurgical and neurological rehabilitative treatment options.
High national rankings: The Neurosciences Center at Children's Wisconsin ranks among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Our neuroimaging program has been designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, making it the third pediatric hospital in the United States to earn the award.
Cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options: We offer the most advanced diagnosis and treatment options for various neurological and neurosurgical conditions. Each child's treatment plan is highly customized to ensure your child always receives the very best care.
Outstanding surgical quality: We're the only Level 1 Children's Surgery Center (highest level possible) in the state. We have superior neurosurgical outcomes, and we offer both minimally invasive and traditional surgical options for various conditions. Our board-certified pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with patient families to determine the best option for each child.
What To Expect
Microcephaly can be diagnosed before birth by prenatal ultrasound. This diagnostic imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
However, microcephaly is often not seen by ultrasound until the third trimester. Therefore, ultrasounds may not be performed earlier in pregnancy. The diagnosis of microcephaly may also be made at birth or later in infancy.
During the physical examination, a measurement of your child's head is taken and compared to a scale that can identify normal and abnormal ranges.
Tests that may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of microcephaly and identify abnormalities in the brain include:
- Head circumference measurement
- X-ray
- Computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or a CAT scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
The physician will also take a complete prenatal and birth history of your child. The physician may also ask if there is a family history of microcephaly or other medical problems. They will also ask about developmental milestones since microcephaly can be associated with other problems, such as intellectual disabilities. Developmental delays may require further medical follow up for underlying problems.
Our Doctors
At Children's Wisconsin, our doctors are 100% committed to the health and well-being of kids. They care for every aspect of a child's health, including their physical, social, dental and mental well-being. We are a community of dedicated professionals who shares an unwavering passion to care for kids whenever and wherever they need us.
