Preventing & Treating Microcephaly

Microcephaly is a rare medical condition, a neurological disorder in which a baby's head is smaller than normal and undeveloped. It can occur while the infant is still in the womb or manifest within several years of birth. Often the smaller head is accompanied by a smaller brain, and abnormal development of the brain frequently goes along with microcephaly. The risk of this disorder is increased when the mother is exposed to infections throughout the pregnancy: rubella is one such example. While the severity of the condition varies, it is often found in conjunction with other medical conditions, including balance problems, seizures, and developmental delays.