How Do You Spell MICROCEPHALIA?

Pronunciation: [mˌa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊsɛfˈe͡ɪli͡ə] (IPA)

Microcephalia is a medical condition where an individual's head circumference is smaller than what is considered normal for their age and sex. The word is spelled as "mɑɪkrəʊˌsɛfəˈliə" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "micro", is pronounced as "mɑɪkrəʊ", with the stress on the first syllable. The second part of the word, "cephalia", is pronounced as "ˌsɛfəˈliə", with the stress on the third syllable. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is important for accurate communication among healthcare professionals.

MICROCEPHALIA Meaning and Definition

  1. Microcephaly is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally small head circumference and underdeveloped brain. Derived from the Greek words "mikros" (meaning small) and "kephalē" (meaning head), microcephaly refers to a congenital or acquired condition where the brain fails to grow adequately during fetal development or infancy. The reduced size of the head is often accompanied by delayed brain development, leading to cognitive, neurological, and physical impairments.

    Typically diagnosed at birth, microcephaly can occur due to genetic mutations, prenatal infections, exposure to toxins, or other unidentified causes. In some cases, it may arise as a result of a specific syndrome or chromosomal abnormality. The severity of microcephaly can range from mild to severe, with more severe cases often associated with a higher degree of intellectual disability, developmental delays, and neurological complications.

    Due to the significant impact it has on a person's life, treatment for microcephaly focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may help improve motor function, communication skills, and overall development. Educational interventions can assist individuals with learning difficulties and cognitive impairments. Additionally, management of associated health conditions, such as seizures or movement disorders, may be necessary.

    As microcephaly is a complex condition, each case requires individualized care and attention tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the affected person.

  2. Abnormal smallness of the head, microcephaly, microcephalism.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MICROCEPHALIA

  • microcephania
  • microcephamia
  • microcephalya
  • microcephalaa
  • microcephalma
  • microcephalha
  • microcephalii
  • m icrocephalia
  • mi crocephalia
  • mic rocephalia
  • micr ocephalia
  • micro cephalia
  • microc ephalia
  • microceph alia
  • microcepha lia
  • microcephal ia
  • microcephali a

Etymology of MICROCEPHALIA

The word "microcephalia" originates from the combination of the Greek roots "mikros" meaning "small" and "kephalē" meaning "head". The term is used in medicine to describe a condition characterized by an abnormally small head and underdeveloped brain.