It is reported that in the United States, microcephaly occurs in 2 to 12 babies per 10,000 births. Signs and symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms that can occur in children. Infants with microcephaly are born with either a normal or reduced head size. Subsequently, the head fails to grow, while the face continues to develop at a normal rate, producing a child with a small head and a receding forehead, and a loose, often wrinkled scalp. As the child grows older, the smallness of the skull becomes more obvious, although the entire body also is often underweight and dwarfed.Severely impaired intellectual development is common, but disturbances in motor functions may not appear until later in life. Affected newborns generally have striking neurological defects and seizures. Development of motor functions and speech may be delayed. Hyperactivity and intellectual disability are common occurrences, although the degree of each varies. Convulsions may also occur. Motor ability varies, ranging from clumsiness in some to spastic quadriplegia in others. Causes
Microcephaly is a type of cephalic disorder.
Notable cases
A dwarf of Punt (ancient Somalia) was given by the Chief clans as partial tribute to the last ruler of Ancient Egypts Old Kingdom, Pepi II Neferkare (6th Dynasty, circa 2125–2080 BC); it could be inferred that this person was also microcephalic. In a letter preserved at the British Museum, the young king gives instructions by letter, "Harkhuf! The men in your service [escorts; soldiers; sailors; guards, etc.] ought pay sincere care with the dwarfs head while sleeping during the voyage to the palace" (so that it does not fall off). At the same time, it could be for other reasons unrelated to microcephaly, etc. Triboulet, a jester of duke René of Anjou (not to be confused with the slightly later Triboulet at the French court). Jenny Lee Snow and Elvira Snow, whose stage names were Pip and Flip, respectively, were sisters with microcephaly who acted in the 1932 film Freaks. Schlitze "Schlitzie" Surtees, possibly born Simon Metz, was a widely known sideshow performer and actor, who also appeared in Freaks. Lester "Beetlejuice" Green, a member of radio host Howard Sterns Wack Pack. See also
Anencephaly (Usually rapidly fatal)
Cerebral rubicon
Hydrocephaly
Macrocephaly
Seckel syndrome
Achalasia microcephaly

References
External links

Microcephaly at NINDS
NINDS Overview