Essay On Microcephaly

Children complain about how their parents do not let them do what they want and how life is “unfair”. They may not get to go out on a Friday night or go to their friends house whenever they want; however, even though it may feel horrible to these kids, the unfortunate times they go through is nothing compared to those of children with the rare condition microcephaly. Microcephaly, a neurological birth defect in which an infants head is tinier than normal when contrasted to infants of the same gender and age, has many causes and symptoms associated with it (Facts 2).
Gwen Hartley from Kansas knows the symptoms associated with microcephaly all to well as she has two daughters with the condition. At three months of age, Gwen’s first daughter Claire was diagnosed with microcephaly. Her second daughter Lola, born five …show more content…
The following problems associated with microcephaly span from benign to malignant and are usually permanent. Seizures, complications with movement and balance, hearing loss, and eyesight issues can all occur in children with microcephaly. (Facts 3) Other problems associated with microcephaly are dwarfism, facial distortions, and hyperactivity (4 Microcephaly 4). Children with microcephaly may also have terribly high-pitched crying, spasticity, and involutary muscle contractions (2 Microcephaly 5). Developmental impediments like trouble with speech, sitting, standing, or walking may alter physical functions in children with microcephaly. Along with this, intellectual impairments such as the lowered capacity to learn and function in life may hold some children back from reaching their full potential; (Facts 3) “although, 15 percent of children with microcephaly have average intellectual abilities (3 Microcephaly 1);” therefore, there are many additional problems associated with microcephaly although some children do not experience