Microcephaly

Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby's head is smaller than expected for their age, which may reflect that the brain did not develop fully. It may be present at birth or become apparent in the first months of life.

Common causes: genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, and other situations that influence brain development; in some cases no cause is identified.

Which specialist treats it? The pediatrician assesses the baby's growth and, with relevant findings, refers to the pediatric neurologist to evaluate neurological development.

When to seek care? Regular pediatric checkups make it possible to monitor head growth. If differences or development that differs from what is expected are noticed, discussing it with a professional helps guide the follow-up.