Most common causes of congenital microcephaly
| Genetic | Acquired |
|---|---|
| Isolated | Disruptive injuries |
| Syndromic | Infections (TORCHES—toxoplasmosis,a rubella, cytomegalovirus,a herpes simplex virus, syphilis), human immunodeficiency virus |
| Teratogens | |
| Deprivation (malnutrition, placental insufficiency, folate deficiency, maternal hypothyroidism) |
↵a Congenital toxoplasmosis is associated with diffuse intracranial calcifications; congenital cytomegalovirus is associated with periventricular calcifications.
Based on information in Ashwal S, Michelson D, Plawner L, Dobyns WB; Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society. Practice parameter: evaluation of the child with microcephaly (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society. Neurology 2009; 73:887–897.