MICROCEPHALIC Meaning and
Definition
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Microcephalic is an adjective derived from the Greek words "micros," meaning small, and "kephalē," meaning head. This term is primarily used in the field of medicine and refers to a congenital condition characterized by an abnormally small head and brain size in relation to a person's age and gender.
Medically, microcephaly is typically diagnosed when an individual's head circumference is significantly below the normal range for their age and gender, indicating that the brain has not developed to its expected size. This condition can be present at birth or develop during infancy due to various factors, including genetic mutations, exposure to certain infections during pregnancy (such as Zika virus), or inadequate brain growth during fetal development.
Individuals with microcephaly may exhibit a range of symptoms and developmental issues. These can include delayed speech and motor skills, intellectual disability, seizures, poor coordination, and in severe cases, impaired vision and hearing. The severity and specific symptoms can vary widely among affected individuals, as microcephaly is a heterogeneous condition with a complex etiology.
The diagnosis of microcephaly is typically made through measuring head circumference and assessing developmental milestones. Medical interventions and supportive care, such as physical and occupational therapy, may be provided to assist individuals with microcephaly in reaching their developmental potential. The management of microcephaly often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving medical professionals, therapists, and educators to address the specific needs and challenges faced by each affected individual.
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Having a small head, microcephalous. Noting a skull with a capacity below 1350 c.c., or an individual having such a skull. Among the microcephalic races are the Australians, Bushmen, and Tasmanians.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MICROCEPHALIC
- nicrocephalic
- kicrocephalic
- jicrocephalic
- mucrocephalic
- mjcrocephalic
- mkcrocephalic
- mocrocephalic
- m9crocephalic
- m8crocephalic
- mixrocephalic
- mivrocephalic
- mifrocephalic
- midrocephalic
- miceocephalic
- micdocephalic
- micfocephalic
- mictocephalic
- mic5ocephalic
- mic4ocephalic
Etymology of MICROCEPHALIC
The word "microcephalic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "micro-" meaning small, and "kephalē" meaning head. The term was coined in the 19th century to describe a condition characterized by an abnormally small head and brain development.
Similar spelling words for MICROCEPHALIC
- microsomal,
- macrocephaly,
- micrococcaceae,
- macrocephalic,
- macrocephalous,
- microcosmic,
- macrocephalon,
- microcrystalline,
- microcephaly,
- microscope,
- microscopic,
- microcephalous,
- microcephalus.
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