Ultrasound Causation for Microcephaly and Zika Virus: The Hypothesis (Part A)

Ultrasound Causation for Microcephaly and Zika Virus, The Hypothesis (Part A)


by Jim WestPublisher: Harvoa, 2017
ISBN is 9781941719084 / 1941719082Paperback
6 x 9 inches, 203 pages

A critical review of the microcephaly epidemic in Brazil, with the hypothesis that the epidemic was caused by a unique program of high exposure prenatal ultrasound in NE Brazil. This is Part A of an anticipated three-Part series, based on Jim West's earlier ultrasound book, 50 Human Studies: A New Bibliography.--------------------
Microcephaly is a medical condition involving a smaller-than-normal head. Microcephaly may be present at birth or it may develop in the first few years of life. Since brain growth is correlated with head growth, people with this disorder often have an intellectual disability, poor motor function, poor speech, abnormal facial features, seizures and dwarfism.

The disorder is caused by a disruption to the genetic processes that form the brain early in pregnancy, though the cause is not identified in most cases. Many genetic syndromes can result in microcephaly, including chromosomal and single-gene conditions, though almost always in combination with other symptoms. Mutations that result solely in microcephaly (primary microcephaly) exist but are less common. External toxins to the embryo, such as alcohol during pregnancy or vertically transmitted infections, can also result in microcephaly. Microcephaly serves as an important neurological indication or warning sign, but no uniformity exists in its definition. It is usually defined as a head circumference (HC) more than two standard deviations below the mean for age and sex. Some academics advocate defining it as head circumference more than three standard deviations below the mean for the age and sex