Microcephaly Awareness Research And Education
To obtain our licence's and permits so that we can create fundraisers and events and donate the funds to Microcephaly research. We also wish to create resources for individuals with Microcephaly and there families who deal with Microcephaly such as outreach centers, hotlines and informational web pages
Microcephaly Awareness & Education Support Group
At Microcephaly Awareness & Education Support Group We are parents and gaurdians who care for a loved one who has Microcephaly. We know the challenges each day brings, we understand that talking to others is difficult. We know the frustrations of not knowing what to do at times. We wake up in the morning knowing we face challenges and at the end of the day we feel alone. Here at Microcephaly Awareness & Education Support Group we share our stories and gain support from others. We gain a sence of belonging.
Imagine we have an apple seed alone its not much, it does little for anyone but if we plant that seed the seed produces a single apple tree we take the seeds from that one tree we replant many apple seeds and grow a beautiful grove of fruit. we know you do not want to be that single seed become part of the beautiful grove and join us today.
What is Microcephaly
Microcephaly (my-kroh-SEF-uh-lee) is a rare neurological condition in which an infant's head is significantly smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex. Sometimes detected at birth, microcephaly usually is the result of the brain developing abnormally in the womb or not growing as it should after birth.
Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Children with microcephaly often have developmental issues. Generally there's no treatment for microcephaly, but early intervention with supportive therapies, such as speech and occupational therapies, may help enhance your child's development and improve quality of life.
Microcephaly facts
Rare
Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
Can't be cured, but treatment may help
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging often required
Causes of microcephaly include infections, malnutrition, or exposure to toxins.
Symptoms vary and include intellectual disability and speech delay. In severe cases, there may be seizures and abnormal muscle functionality.
There is no cure for microcephaly. Treatment involves supportive care, symptom management, and close monitoring
Other HEPLFULL lINKS about Microcephaly
Cause of Microcephaly
Your doctor may not be able to tell you why this happened to your baby. In most cases, the exact cause is unknown.
It can be brought on by
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A problem with your genes (congenital microcephaly)
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Something in your environment (acquired microcephaly)
Congenital microcephaly is passed down through families. It's caused by defects in genes linked to early brain development. Microcephaly is often seen in children with Down syndrome and genetic disorders.
Acquired microcephaly means the child's brain came into contact with something that harmed its growth and development. Some things that may do this while a baby is in the womb are:
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Viral infections, including rubella (German measles), chickenpox, and possibly Zika, which is spread by mosquitos
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Parasite infections, such as toxoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus
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Toxic chemicals such as lead
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Not getting enough food or nutrients (malnutrition)
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Alcohol
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Drugs
Acquired microcephaly can also be caused by other things, including:
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Hemorrhage or stroke in the newborn
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Injury to the brain after birth
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Spine or brain defects
What Symptoms Will a Child Have?
Children with a mild case may have a small head but no other problems. Your child's head will grow as he gets older. But it will remain smaller than what's considered normal.
Some children have normal intelligence. Others have problems learning, but they usually don't get worse as your child gets older.
Other symptoms may include:
Balance and coordination problems
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Developmental delays (delayed sitting, standing, walking)
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Trouble swallowing and problems with feeding
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Hearing loss
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Hyperactivity (trouble paying attention or sitting still)
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Seizures
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Short height
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Speech problems
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Vision problems
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How Is Microcephaly Treated?
There's no cure for microcephaly, but there are treatments to help with development, behavior, and seizures.
If your child has mild microcephaly, he'll need regular doctor checkups to monitor how he grows and develops.
Children who have more severe cases need lifelong treatment to control symptoms. Some, like seizures, can be life-threatening. Your doctor will discuss treatments to keep your child safe and improve his quality of life.
Your child may need:
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Medicines to control seizures and hyperactivity and to improve nerve and muscle function
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Speech therapy
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Physical and occupational therapy
What Are the Long-Term Effects?
How well your child does depends on what caused the brain to stop growing in the first place. Children with a mild form of this disorder may have no other problems. They grow normally during childhood and adolescence and still meet age-appropriate growth milestones as they get older.
Others can have severe problems with learning and moving. Children with microcephaly are more likely to have other medical problems, likecerebral palsy and epilepsy.
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Can It Be Prevented?
While you're pregnant, you can take steps to try to prevent acquired microcephaly:
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Eat a healthy diet and take prenatal vitamins.
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Don't drink alcohol or do drugs.
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If you have a child with microcephaly and wish to get pregnant again, talk to your doctor. Genetic counseling may help you understand your family's risk for the disease.
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Stay away from chemicals.
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Wash your hands often, and get treated for any illness as soon as you feel sick.
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Have someone else change the litter box. Cat feces can spread the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.
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Use insect repellent when in wooded areas or countries known formosquitos. The CDC says insect repellent is safe to use while pregnant.
THE TEAM
Christa DeLosh
President and Founder
Zachery DeLosh
Our Microcephaly Inspiration
David DeLosh Vise President and Co-founder
Please contact us for any questions you may have about our site.
VISITOR COUNT
Microcephal Awareness, Research and Education is created in honor of there son Zachery and owned by
Christa DeLosh
&
David DeLosh
Disclaimer: These articles & Information are not a replacement for a Doctor if you have any medical questions about you're health or well being talk to you're physiciam as soon as possible