Neuro & Physical
Microcephaly
Microcephaly is a condition where a baby is born with a significantly smaller head and brain than average. This can result in developmental challenges, intellectual disabilities and various health issues. Causes can include genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or exposure to certain substances that affect proper brain growth and development.
What the evidence says
WHO tracked
microcephaly and its causes and associated developmental risks are documented by the World Health Organization
- Head circumference significantly smaller than expected for age and sex
- Developmental delays across motor, speech or cognitive areas
- Possible intellectual disability, varying in degree
- Other associated health issues depending on the underlying cause
This is a guide, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can assess.
- Developmental assessment to understand the child's specific needs
- Physiotherapy to support motor development and movement
- Occupational therapy to build daily-living and functional skills
- Coordination with medical teams and family guidance throughout
- Smaller-than-average head size noted at birth or in early check-ups
- Delayed developmental milestones
- Feeding, movement or coordination difficulties in some cases
The care pathway
What each professional actually does here
Care for this concern is usually shared. Here is how each discipline contributes, so nothing feels like a black box.
Physiotherapists focus on improving motor skills, muscle strength and coordination through customised exercise programmes, supporting mobility and independence over time.
Explore this serviceOccupational therapists build functional and daily-living skills tailored to the child's developmental level, working alongside physiotherapy and medical care.
Explore this serviceWho you'd work with
The disciplines involved
You don't have to choose the right professional yourself — we match you after a first conversation.
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Movement-focused therapy for infants and children with developmental, postural or motor concerns.
Learn moreOccupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Supporting children and adults to build the everyday skills that make participation, learning and independence possible.
Learn moreQuestions
Microcephaly: questions people ask us
Short, honest answers about who helps, what to expect and how care is coordinated.
Causes can include genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or exposure to certain substances that affect brain growth and development.
Not always; the degree of developmental impact varies from child to child, which is why individual assessment is important.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy support motor development and daily-living skills, working alongside the child's medical care team.
It is often identified at birth or during early check-ups based on head circumference measurements compared to expected ranges for age and sex.
Take the next step
Tell us what's happening, we'll suggest where to start
You don't have to choose the right professional yourself- we match you after a first conversation.
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