Brain Malformations: Causes, Types and Treatment

Most brain malformations begin long before a baby is born. Something damages the developing nervous system, or causes it to develop abnormally.

Causes

• Genetic problems are behind some.
• Exposures during pregnancy — certain medicines, infections or radiation — can interfere with how the brain develops.

How the brain can be affected

Parts of the brain may be:

• missing;
• abnormally small or large;
• not fully developed.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the problem, and often it can only ease symptoms. It may include:

• medicines to prevent seizures;
• shunts to drain fluid from the brain;
• physical therapy.

Head malformations that do not involve the brain

Some malformations affect the head but not the brain. Craniofacial disorders come from abnormal growth of the soft tissue and bones of the face and head.

It is common for a newborn's head to be slightly uneven, but parents should keep an eye on the shape of their baby's head for possible problems.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Brain Malformations," drawing on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://medlineplus.gov/brainmalformations.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.