When your child has microcephaly, in addition to having a smaller than average skull, the child may also have several growth problems, including delayed mental development and physical changes, and therefore may need help with several basic daily activities. such as eating, bathing or walking.
However, these consequences of the disease do not occur in all cases and some children may develop normally and have normal intelligence, depending on the severity of microcephaly. Children who are still diagnosed during pregnancy are generally those who have the highest degree of limitation, while children who have been diagnosed with microcephaly after birth are more likely to develop more similarly to average.
- Microcephaly has no cure.
- But a treatment properly guided by a pediatrician.
- Which includes speech therapy.
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
- For example.
- Can stimulate its growth and development to the maximum.
- Thus reducing the degree of dependence.
- See what can cause microcephaly and how it’s diagnosed.
Easily understand what microcephaly is and how to care for a drink with this problem by watching the following video:
The treatment of microcephaly should be guided by a pediatrician and neurologist, however it is necessary to intervene from several other professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who will help the child develop with the minimum possible limitations in order to have a higher quality. of life.
Treatment then varies on a case-by-case basis, especially depending on each child’s limitations. However, the most commonly used forms of treatment include:
To improve the child’s ability to speak, the child must be accompanied by a speech therapist at least 3 times a week.
In addition, parents should sing small songs to the child and talk to him by looking him in the eye throughout the day, even if he does not respond to the stimulus. Gestures should also be used to facilitate understanding of what you are saying and to better capture your child’s attention. Watch other games that can be played to stimulate speech.
To improve motor development, increase balance and avoid muscle atrophy and muscle spasms, it is important to perform as many physiotherapy sessions as possible, at least 3 times a week, by performing simple Pilates ball exercises, stretching, psychomotor sessions and hydrotherapy can be helpful.
Physical therapy is indicated because it can have results in the physical development of the child, but also because it contributes to mental development.
For older children and in order to increase autonomy, participation in occupational therapy sessions may also be indicated by the doctor, where daily activities, such as brushing or eating, can be trained using special devices. Like what.
To improve socialization capacity, it is also necessary to evaluate the possibility of keeping the child in a normal school so that he can interact with other children who do not have microcephaly, by being able to participate in games and games that promote social interaction. . However, if there is a delay in mental development, the child may not learn to read or write, although he or she may go to school for contact with other children.
At home, parents should encourage the child as much as possible, play in front of the mirror, stand on the child’s side, and participate in family and friend meetings whenever possible to try to keep the child’s brain still active.
Children with microcephaly may need to take medications prescribed by their doctor based on their symptoms, such as an anticonvulsant to reduce seizures or to treat hyperactivity, such as diazepam or Ritalin, as well as pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to reduce muscle pain due to excessive tension.
Botox injections may be indicated in the treatment of some children with microcephaly, as they can help reduce muscle stiffness and improve the body’s natural reflexes, facilitating physiotherapy sessions and daily care.
Botox injections are usually indicated when the child still has intensely contracted muscles, inadvertently making it difficult to bathe or change a diaper. The use of botox is considered safe and presents virtually no health risks, provided it is used at the appropriate dose and always at the doctor’s recommendation.
In some cases, surgery may be done by cutting off the head to allow the brain to develop, thus reducing the sequelae of the disease. However, this surgery to succeed should be performed up to 2 months of age and is not indicated for all cases, only when there can be many benefits and few risks associated with it.
Babies born with microcephaly require frequent medical care and generally require special care, requiring more care, care, and dedication from parents and the whole family.
Depending on the degree and type of microcephaly in the baby, the more serious the consequences of the disease and its implications for health will be. Therefore, babies born with a much smaller head than they should have greater difficulties and may rely entirely on others to survive.
Babies who have a small head, but with a size closer to that of other children of the same age, have a better quality of life and although there may be a delay in development, the child can learn to sit alone, speak a few words, show love. and love and even walk
Some manage to control urine and poop, but many have to wear diapers appropriate for their age for life. Most need help walking because they need someone not to lose their balance and they also need help bathing, as they have trouble taking care of their hygiene themselves.
Although most children with microcephaly have metallic delay, some retain their cognitive abilities without major changes, such as learning to walk, write and read.
However, the damage caused by microcephaly is not the same in all children and varies depending on the sequelae they present, which is why some children cannot eat alone or bathe, so they may need the help of the family to perform the operation. Chores. Life.
Girls with microcephaly can have menstruation and, like all others, may become sick at some point in their lives and require more attention. Vaccination can usually be done normally, but it depends on the pediatrician’s opinion and the limitations of the disease.
The life expectancy of children with microcephaly is similar to that of other children who do not have the disease, but will depend on several factors, including the severity of the disease, whether there are other associated syndromes, and how the child is followed and treated. .
In this way, children who only have microcephaly and receive all the necessary treatments whenever they have diseases such as influenza, dengue, urinary tract infection or others, and who are encouraged to walk and eat alone are more likely to reach adulthood, although someone is always needed around to care for them and their safety.