Microcephaly Microcephaly Is a Condition Where a Baby’S Head Is Much Smaller Than Expected

OREGON FAMILY TO FAMILY HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER

Microcephaly Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected. During pregnancy, a baby’s head grows because the baby’s brain grows. Microcephaly can happen because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth. It is a lifelong condition.

Babies with microcephaly can have: seizures, developmental delay, decreased ability to learn and function in daily life, problems with movement and balance, difficulty swallowing, hearing loss, or vision problems.

The causes of microcephaly in most babies are unknown. Some can be related to genetic problems. Some are related to certain infections, severe lack of food, or contact with alcohol, certain drugs or toxic chemical during pregnancy. A lack of blood supply or oxygen to the baby’s brain while they are growing in the womb or after birth can also cause microcephaly. Resources for families

Northwest support resources Family stories Other resources • Oregon Family to Family Health • The Hartley Hooligans • Congenital Brain Anomalies Program - Information Center tinyurl.com/jlr9r9b OHSU [PDF] tinyurl.com/y8ed6er5 tinyurl.com/ya9n24sr • Sean’s Story - PMG Awareness • Washington Parent to Parent (P2P) Organization • Parents of Children with Microcephaly Programs tinyurl.com/yb9ocgvg Support Group [Facebook] tinyurl.com/yaucv2mk tinyurl.com/ybm2pbpn Clinical trial information • PMG Awareness Organization National/international/online resources • Children and Clinical Studies tinyurl.com/ydc4g343 • Children with micro tinyurl.com/y75s4twm tinyurl.com/y7a9qpo2 • Foundation for Children with • Find an approved clinical trial Microcephaly [Facebook] • Microcephaly Support Group tinyurl.com/zp3jesq tinyurl.com/y9kkcnmd tinyurl.com/ydaqgfsb Insurance information and help Books for parents and children Information for you and your care team • Getting insurance for children (OR) • Bibliography available by calling • Family education materials: Children’s tinyurl.com/ydfaaeoy the Oregon Family to Family Health Minnesota Information Center at 855-323-6744 • Getting insurance for children (WA) tinyurl.com/y8u8bghd tinyurl.com/yca9lkey • Swindells’ online library search • Evaluation of the Child with tinyurl.com/y9t2jwcx • Understand your health insurance Microcephaly - American Academy of tinyurl.com/y46h8nvx Neurology [PDF] tinyurl.com/hfa2yvy • Learn about coverage tinyurl.com/y4639rz6

• Road map to health tinyurl.com/yysc6kv7

• General/Oregon Health Plan Questions: 855-323-6744

This Family Resource Page was supported by a Cooperative Agreement (#DD004951) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) (6NU50DD004951-01-01). This project is a joint effort of the OHA’s Birth Anomalies Surveillance System and the Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs’ Family to Family Health Information Center at OHSU. This public domain publication is available in alternative formats by calling 503-494-0865. The contents of this page are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Health and Human Services, the OHA, or OHSU. The generous support and collaboration of the OHA and Community Partners is appreciated.