- Treatment options for microcephaly
- 1. Speech therapy
- 2. Physiotherapy sessions
- 3. Occupational therapy
- 4. Use of medicines
- 5. Botox injections
- 6. Head surgery
- How is the baby born with microcephaly
- Possible sequelae of microcephaly
- Lifetime in case of microcephaly
When the child has microcephaly, in addition to having a smaller than average skull, it is also possible that he has several growth problems, including delayed mental development and physical changes, and may therefore need help to do several basic daily activities, like eating, bathing or walking.
However, these consequences of the disease do not arise 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 with the greatest degree of limitation, while children who were diagnosed with microcephaly after birth are more likely to develop more similarly to the average.
Microcephaly has no cure, but the treatment when properly guided by a pediatrician, which includes sessions of speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, for example, allows to stimulate its growth and development as much as possible, decreasing the degree of dependence. See what can cause microcephaly and how it is diagnosed.
Understand in a simple way what is microcephaly and how to take care of a drink with this problem watching the following video:
Treatment options for microcephaly
The treatment of microcephaly must be guided by a pediatrician and neurologist, however the intervention of several other professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists is necessary, who will help the child to develop with the minimum of possible limitations in order to have a greater quality of life.
The treatment then varies according to each case, especially according to the limitations of each child. Still, the most used forms of treatment include:
1. Speech therapy
To improve the 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 them looking into the eyes throughout the day, even if they do not respond to the stimulus. Gestures should also be used to facilitate understanding of what you are saying and to better capture the child's attention. Check out other games that can be done to stimulate speech.
2. Physiotherapy sessions
To improve motor development, increase balance and avoid muscle atrophy and muscle spasms, it is important to do as many physiotherapy sessions as possible, at least 3 times a week, performing simple Pilates ball exercises, stretching, psychomotricity sessions and hydrotherapy can be useful.
Physiotherapy is indicated because it can have results in the child's physical development, but also because it helps in mental development.
3. Occupational therapy
In the case of older children and with the aim of increasing autonomy, participation in occupational therapy sessions may also be indicated by the doctor, in which daily activities can be trained, such as brushing teeth or eating, using special devices., for example.
To improve the ability to socialize, one should also evaluate the possibility of keeping the child in a normal school so that he can interact with other children who do not have microcephaly, being able to participate in games and games that promote social interaction. However, if there is a delay in mental development, the child will probably not learn to read or write, although he may go to school to have contact with other children.
At home, parents should encourage the child as much as possible, playing in front of the mirror, being on the child's side and participating in family and friends meetings whenever possible to try to keep the child's brain always active.
4. Use of medicines
The child with microcephaly may need to take medications prescribed by the doctor according to the symptoms they present, such as anticonvulsant to reduce seizures or to treat hyperactivity, such as Diazepam or Ritalin, in addition to pain relievers, such as Paracetamol, to decrease muscle pain due to excessive tension.
5. Botox injections
Botox injections can be indicated in the treatment of some children with microcephaly, because they can help to decrease the stiffness of the muscles and improve the body's natural reflexes, facilitating physiotherapy sessions and daily care.
Usually Botox injections are indicated when the child is always with the muscles intensely contracted, involuntarily, which makes simple things like bathing or changing the diaper difficult. The use of botox is considered safe and has virtually no health risks, as long as it is used in the appropriate dose and always under the doctor's recommendation.
6. Head surgery
In some cases, surgery can be performed by cutting the head to allow the brain to grow, reducing the sequelae of the disease. However, this surgery to have a result must be done until the baby is 2 months old and is not indicated for all cases, only when there may be many benefits and few associated risks.
How is the baby born with microcephaly
The baby born with microcephaly needs frequent medical monitoring and usually needs special care, requiring greater care, attention and dedication from parents and the whole family.
Depending on the degree and type of microcephaly the baby has, the more severe the consequences of the disease and its health implications will be. Thus, babies who are born with a much smaller head than they should have greater difficulties and may be completely dependent on others to survive.
Babies who have a small head, but with a size closer to 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 affection and even walk.
Some manage to control pee and poop, but many need to wear age-appropriate diapers for life. Most of them need help to walk because they need to lean on someone so as not to lose their balance and they also need help to bathe, because they have difficulty taking care of their own hygiene alone.
Possible sequelae of microcephaly
Although most children with microcephaly have metal delay, some maintain their cognitive ability without major changes, learning to walk, write and read, for example.
However, the damage caused by microcephaly is not the same in all children and varies with the sequelae they present, which is why some children are unable to eat alone or bathe, so they may need help from the family to do the chores. everyday life.
Girls with microcephaly can have menstruation, and like everyone else, they can get sick at some point in life, requiring more care. Vaccination can usually occur normally but depends on the pediatrician's opinion and the limitations that the disease causes.
Lifetime in case of microcephaly
The life expectancy of children with microcephaly is similar to that of other children who do not have the disease, but it will depend on several factors including the severity of the disease, whether there are other associated syndromes and how the child is monitored and treated.
Thus, children who have only microcephaly and who receive all the necessary treatment whenever they present illnesses such as flu, dengue, urinary tract infection or others, and who are encouraged to walk and eat alone are more likely to reach adulthood, although someone around is always needed to take care of them and their safety.
