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microcephaly.docx2
MICROCEPHALY DISEASE CONDITION
Introduction
For many observable occasions, Infant growth must be monitored at each stage of life. As the child grows, the head size must be measured a number of ways to monitor the possibility of various diseases conditions. The head must be measured in terms of height (length) and weight. The head circumference also must be measured keenly and comparisons be made to other infants of the same age. Tanking the infants or baby’s head size is very vital since it indicates that the baby’s brain is growing properly. If the baby’s brain is not growing properly, then he or she may have or may be developing a dangerous condition known as microcephaly.
Just to have a small definition, the disease (Microcephaly) is a condition in which the baby’s head is smaller than other babies when a keen comparison is made in terms of circumference, length or size to other babies of the same age and gender. This condition may come during the first two years after the baby has been born or immediately when the baby is born. Unfortunately this condition has no cure and, however, early diagnosis and treatment, greatly improves this condition and can be restored to normal.
Signs and symptoms of Microcephaly
Signs and symptoms of this condition can be seen when the doctor diagnoses the child head by tracking baby’s growth rate morphology and development. After the baby is born, his or her head circumference is measured. If the head has observable abnormalities in size then there is a good possibility for this conditions. This head size must be measured in succession for two years.
If the doctor note the following then there could be a possibility of microcephaly:
Dwarfism or short stature in child body and head, Mental retardation, delayed motor functions and speech recognitions, facial distortions especially the forehead, hyperactivity, regular and continuous seizures, observable difficulties with coordination and body balance, and also other neurological abnormalities.
Effects of Microcephaly disease on healthy body functions
The diseases affects the body functioning capability. It affects the brain growth hence uncoordinated speeches. The conditions can make ones face to be totally distorted and seen abnormally. It affects the body mechanisms hence uncontrolled seizures and to some extent may led to death.
Risk factors and preventive steps
There are several risks factors associated with this condition. Preventive measures include earlier diagnosis. If the cause is genetic, no prevention. Parents can there be seek genetic counseling before having another child. However, Proper prenatal care and totally live without taking much alcohol and drug use during pregnancy is very important in preventing this condition. Therapeutic tools to maintain infant good and recommended shape should be carried out.
Expected outcomes and prognosis
Microcephaly can be prognosis include: Abnormal brain development. Abnormal brain development can happen especially when the fetus is still in the womb. Genetic conditions also contribute to this fatal condition. Some of the genetic conditions include: Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Seckel syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and Trisomy 18 (Edward’s syndrome). Exposure to Viruses, Drugs, or Toxins can also contribute to this conditions.
Current Areas of research to prevent or Treat Microcephaly
There is no exact cure of Microcephaly. However the children with delayed motor function may benefit from occupational therapy. Those children with poor language and speech may benefit from speech therapy. For seizures or hyperactivity cases, a physician may prescribe proper medication for treatment.
Conclusions
This conditions since it can occur anytime, parents should avoid certain behavioral activities. For instance taking too much of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy. This condition and advancement of technology, it may come to end since proper medication can be found due to the thorough laboratory research.
References
1. Kaneshiro, N. K. (2011, June 1). Congenital Cytomegalovirus. National Library of Medicine – National Health Institutes. Retrieved July 3, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001343.htm/
2. Kaneshiro, N.K. (2011, June 1). Congenital Rubella. National Library of Medicine – National Health Institutes. Retrieved July 3, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001658.htm
3. Dugdale III, D. C. & Kaneshiro, N. K. (2011, November 13). Microcephaly. National Library of Medicine – National Health Institutes. Retrieved June 24, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003272.htm
4. Lee, K. G. (2011, June 17). Phenylketonuria. National Library of Medicine – National Health Institutes. Retrieved July 3, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001166.htm
5. Lee, K. G. (2011, June 18). Congenital Toxoplasmosis. National Library of Medicine – National Health Institutes. Retrieved July 3, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001360.htm
6. Microcephaly. (2012, May 30). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 24, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/microcephaly/DS01169
8. Perez, E. (2012, February 28). Methymercury Poisoning. National Library of Medicine – National Health Institutes. Retrieved July 3, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001651.htm
Created by: Danielle Robinson
