What is microcephaly Vera?
Microcephaly Vera Microcephaly refers to a condition in which the human brain fails to achieve normal growth.
What is microcephaly lissencephaly syndrome?
Lissencephaly, which literally means “smooth brain,” is a rare, gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the absence of normal convolutions (folds) in the cerebral cortex and an abnormally small head (microcephaly). In the usual condition of lissencephaly, children usually have a normal sized head at birth.
What are the different types of lissencephaly?
Lissencephaly is a group of disorders that is characterized by an abnormally smooth surface of the cerebral cortex. It has generally been divided into two categories: classic lissencephaly (also known as type 1 lissencephaly) and cobblestone complex (also known as type 2 lissencephaly).
Why does microcephaly occur?
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 occur because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, which results in a smaller head size.
What is the cause of lissencephaly?
What causes lissencephaly? Lissencephaly is often considered a genetic condition, though sometimes a viral infection or poor blood flow to the fetus may cause it. Scientists have identified malformations in several genes as contributors to lissencephaly. But research into these genes is ongoing.
Can you live with lissencephaly?
Living With It There is no cure for lissencephaly, but some people can improve over time. Doctors and parents focus on controlling and addressing the symptoms. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy could help in some cases. People living with the condition might need medications to control seizures.
What are the causes of lissencephaly?
Causes. Lissencephaly may be due to various non-genetic and genetic factors. Such factors may include intrauterine infection, insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the brain (ischemia) during fetal development, and/or different gene mutations. Several gene mutations have been implicated in isolated lissencephaly.
Is lissencephaly common?
The overall incidence of lissencephaly is rare and estimated around 1.2/100,000 births.
How can you prevent microcephaly?
While you’re pregnant, you can take steps to try to prevent acquired microcephaly:
- Eat a healthy diet and take prenatal vitamins.
- Don’t drink alcohol or do drugs.
- Stay away from chemicals.
- Wash your hands often, and get treated for any illness as soon as you feel sick.
- Have someone else change the litter box.