Microcephaly is a descriptive term that refers to a cranium that is significantly smaller than the standard for the individual`s age and gender. Microcephaly is an important health condition that might be facing general pediatricians. The availability of evidence based practice parameters for the diagnostic workup of microcephaly enables the pediatricians to early detect and intervene rapidly and effectively for high risk infants.
AIM OF THE WORK:
Study the clinical and radiological characteristics of a cohort of children with microcephaly attending Neurology outpatient clinic at Alexandria University Children's Hospital (AUCH).
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
This was a Cross sectional observational study conducted in Pediatric Neurology outpatient clinic (Semoha) of AUCH.
The study was conducted on 50 children. Clinical assessment form was designed specifically for the study. The files of included children was revised and their clinical and radiological data was collected.
CONCLUSION:
1. Microcephaly is a significant risk factor for epilepsy. Children with microcephaly are more likely to have epilepsy, particularly the generalized tonic clonic form.
2. Microcephaly can be associated with a large critical spectrum of behavioral problems.
3. Neuroimaging is essential in identifying structural causes in the evaluation of a child with microcephaly.