Microcephaly

Overview

Microcephaly is a condition that causes your baby’s head to be smaller than expected for their size and age. Microcephaly happens when your baby’s brain needs more time to grow or doesn’t develop completely. The size of your baby’s skull depends on the size of their brain. Brain growth happens during fetal development and infancy.

What are the types of microcephaly?

There are two types of microcephaly:

Primary or congenital: Your baby is born with a smaller head.
Secondary or acquired: The condition develops as your baby gets older.

How common is microcephaly?

Microcephaly is rare. Research estimates it affects about 1 in every 800 to 5,000 babies in the United States.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.