ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND EARLY DETECTION OF MICROCEPHALY IN CHILDREN
Keywords:
microcephaly, neurodevelopment, etiopathogenesis, early diagnosis, MRI, EEG, children.Abstract
Microcephaly is one of the most severe neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and is characterized by reduced brain size and head circumference, frequently accompanied by pronounced cognitive, motor, and neurophysiological impairments. In recent years, an apparent increase in microcephaly prevalence has been reported, which may be explained by improved diagnostic capabilities as well as a higher frequency of adverse perinatal factors.
The aim of this study is to systematize current concepts of the etiopathogenesis of microcephaly and to analyze clinical and instrumental approaches to its early detection. Genetic, infectious, hypoxic–ischemic, and metabolic mechanisms underlying microcephaly are reviewed, alongside the role of molecular diagnostics, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological methods.
The findings highlight the multilevel nature of microcephaly pathogenesis and underscore the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to early diagnosis and prognostication of neurological outcomes.
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